The full text of Senior Independent Study Theses submitted during and after 2012 are available to download only by College of Wooster users. Unless listed as an exemplar, all other theses are restricted.

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Senior Independent Study Theses from 2010

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When the Arahats Go Marching in: A Brief Historiography of the Study of Tibetan and Japanese Religions as They Were Impacted by the Introduction of Buddhism, Gregory Carlisle
Department: Religious Studies

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Renegotiating the Role of Religion in the Public Sphere: Evidence of a New Phase in the Evolution of French Society, Britta Nicole Harman
Department: French and Francophone Studies; Religious Studies

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Buddhism in the Tibetan Diaspora: Framing Culture and Adapting Tradition, Nicholas Charles Christopher Janus
Department: Religious Studies

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"The Secret (Religious) Life of the American Teenager"A Study on How Mainstream Religious Secular Television Affects the Development of Religious Identity in Teenagers, Jazmin McNeal
Department: Religious Studies

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Farming in the Age of Kali Yuga: The Shifting Religious and Cultural Dynamics in the Aftermath of the Green Revolution in Tamil Nadu, India, Kitty O'Riordan
Department: Religious Studies; Sociology and Anthropology

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Science Fiction, Vampire Books or the Section Formerly Known as Young Adult: A Look at the Uses of Religion in Popular Fiction, Amanda Perry
Department: Religious Studies

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Science Fiction, Vampire Books or the Section Formerly Known As Young Adult: a Look at the Uses of Religion in Popular Fiction, Amanda Perry
Department: Religious Studies

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"Go to the Head of the Class": White Student Achievement in the American Education System, Catherine Sneed
Department: Religious Studies

Senior Independent Study Theses from 2009

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Speak Unto the Children of Israel: Evaluating the Impact of the Jewish Camp Counselor Experience on Jewish Identity, Hilary J. Bryant
Department: Religious Studies

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A Comparative Analysis of the Buddhist and Christian Worldviews & Their Implications for the Environmental Crisis, Rebecca H. Chrisman
Department: Religious Studies

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The Battle to Reclaim Christmas for Christ: History Reveals a Better Perspective, Laura Habat
Department: Religious Studies

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Investigation Into Human Rights: the Case of Female Genital Cutting in the Gambia, Amihan Jones
Department: Philosophy; Religious Studies

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Religion as a Magical Art: Christianity and Transition in the Work of Aleister Crowley, Noah Adrien Lyons
Department: Religious Studies

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An Examination of the Role that Faith-Based Social Action Organizations Play in the Empowerment of Women in the Greater Mekong Region of Thailand, Lauren Stephanie Merriman
Department: Religious Studies

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Fusing Interstices: Exploring the Relationship Between Science and Religion in Theory, in Particular Relgious Scientists and in Self, Elise A.G. Meyers
Department: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Religious Studies

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Moral America: An Examination of Evangelical Voting Behavior in Relation to Social Issues, Billy J. Raines II
Department: Political Science; Religious Studies

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The Inextricable Ties Between Women, Religion, and the Environment, Anne W. Rochester
Department: Religious Studies

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A Critical Examination of the Olney Friends School: Quaker Ideals, Institutional Practices, and Transmission of Values, Susan Laurel Tipton
Department: Sociology and Anthropology; Religious Studies

Senior Independent Study Theses from 2008

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The Family of the Scabby One Will Treat Her: a Study of Honour Killings in Middle Eastern Tribal Culture, Kristen B. Cox
Department: Religious Studies

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I Do' X 2: the Stain of Mormon Polygamy, Aliya Madhur Deepa Maseelall
Department: Religious Studies

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Atom and Eve: An Exploration of the Conflict and Concordance Between Religion and Science--Involving Creation Myths and the Apocalypse As a Foundation For the Understanding of This Relationship, Mary Erin Patton
Department: Religious Studies

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Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian...Does it Really Matter?: A Study of the Changing Face of Mainline Protestant Denominationalism in the United States, Kate Persing
Department: Religious Studies

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Christology and American Culture, Kyle H. Story
Department: Religious Studies

Senior Independent Study Theses from 2007

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What Does it Mean to be Jewish After the Holocaust?: An Exploration of the Seminal Works of Emil Fackenheim, Elizer Berkovits, and Richard Rubenstein, Tomas Gold
Department: Religious Studies

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What Is Today's Moral War? How Christian Just War Theory Explains Modern Day Conflict, Daniel P. Griffin
Department: Religious Studies

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A Wife, a Mistress, but Never a Nun: A Study of Buddhism and Gender in Thai Society, Jessica M. Hill
Department: Religious Studies

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Pecking the Eggshell at Once from Inside and Out: Encountering Self Through Nature in Taoism, Zen Buddhism, and the Phenomenal Experience, Timothy James Lehmann
Department: Religious Studies

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"My Name Is Legion; For We Are Many:" a Study of Demonology and Exorcisms in the Christian Faith, Miranda Leigh Leickly
Department: Religious Studies

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Junia, a Female Apostle: a Study of the Women in Ministry Debate in Evangelical Christianity, Matthew Mellott
Department: Religious Studies

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Junia, a Female Apostle: A Study of the Women in Ministry Debate in Evangelical Christianity, Matthew Melott
Department: Religious Studies

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Filling the Cup: Voltaire, C.S. Lewis, and the Inclusion of Religion in the Public Sphere, Kara M. Olson
Department: History; Religious Studies

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"The Creator's Game": An Examinationof the Fusion of Athleticism and Spirituality in Traditional Native American Lacrosse, Margaret A. Peake
Department: Religious Studies

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"Not Only With Both Eyes Open, But With Both Hands Dirty": Tradition and Social Criticism in the Life and Work of Cornel West, Christopher Hyde Redding
Department: Religious Studies

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The Influence of Religion on Environmental Attitudes and Conservation Behaviors, Crystal M. Riley
Department: Psychology; Religious Studies

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If You're Happy and an Atheist, Clap Your Hands: A Study of Atheism Inside, Outside and Alongside Religion, Kathryn A. Russell
Department: Religious Studies

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Religion and Science: How the Spiritual Healing Practices and Ideologies of Mainline Christianity Influenced the Establishment of Christian Science, Stefanie M. Zifchak
Department: Religious Studies

Senior Independent Study Theses from 2006

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Remembering the Council: Vatican II for a New Generation, Patrick L. Chrosniak
Department: Religious Studies

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Cornal West: A Modern African American Organic Intellectual, Una Kwong Mangus
Department: Religious Studies

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Are Your There, God? It's Me, Prime Time Television.: An Analysis of Religiosity and Religious Practitioners on Popular Prime Time Television Shows with a Focus on The Simpsons, 7th Heaven, South Park, and Joan of Arcadia, Andrea K. Ragsdale
Department: Religious Studies

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Faith the Size of a Mustard Seed: An Exploration of Healing in Mainline Protestant Traditions: Historical Roots, Modern Dilemmas, Katie Ann Strednak
Department: Religious Studies

Senior Independent Study Theses from 2005

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Religion's Effects on Mental Health: A Brief Look at the Study of Psychology and Religion--Its Past, Present, and Future., Jennifer Ann Brooks
Department: Religious Studies

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The Jewish Perspective of the Messiah: Why Not Jesus?, Anthony J. Caruso II
Department: Religious Studies

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Living Liminal: the Dynamic Relationship Between Psychic Vampirism and Spirituality Also Known As Vampire Hunter A: Prana-Lust, Amanda Dahlin
Department: Religious Studies

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The Conversion of the Roman Empire Form Pagan to Christian, Tracy Lynn DiBiasio
Department: Religious Studies

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Shaman Healing and Western Medicine: An Examination of Culturally Relative Techniques of Healing, Elizabeth Laurena Dunbar
Department: Religious Studies

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Are You Down With Downward Facing Dawg?: the Adaptation of Yoga in America's Popular Culture, Erin Jacob
Department: Religious Studies

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Jah! Ras Tafari: Rasta Vibrations- A Look at the Moving Cultural Force, its History and Present State, Monique Johnson
Department: Religious Studies

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"Religion in China Under Communist Rule", Jeff Maceyko
Department: Religious Studies

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"A Mother Bore Each One of You:" A Study of the Goddess in Ancient Ireland, Amy Irene McDowell
Department: Religious Studies

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Dreamtime: A Look Into Australia's Aboriginal Religion, Phyllis Owiredu
Department: Religious Studies

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Visions of Hope For the Future: a Critical Exploration of the Stem Cell Research Debate--Involving Discussion of Biological, Philosophical, and Religious Arguments on the Moral Standing of the Embryo, Kathryn Elizabeth Peel
Department: Religious Studies

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"Living With the People": An Ethnographic Study of Worldview and Belief of An Aboriginal Community on the Dampier Peninsula, in Western Australia, S. Clark Rubino
Department: Religious Studies

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Models Among Friends, Emma Shaw
Department: Religious Studies

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Whores and Madonnas- When Religion Meets Reality: Examining the Effect of Religious Narratives on Non-Governmental Organizations Aiding in the Sex Industry in Thailand, Laura VanVoorhees
Department: Religious Studies; Political Science

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Opening the Door to Violence: An Analysis of Religious Violence in Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism, Joshua M. Young
Department: Religious Studies

Senior Independent Study Theses from 2004

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Converging and Diverging: the Mystical Journey of Jalaluddin Rumi and Saint Augustine, Jessica T. Bell
Department: Religious Studies

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Youth Have Left the Building: How to Make Church More Youth-Friendly, Sarah J. Blue
Department: Religious Studies

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Escapable Violence?: An Investigation Into the Tragedy at Waco, Teresa A. Clark
Department: Religious Studies

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"Tired and Poor" or "Wretched Refuse"?: Study of the Roles of Religious Groups and United States Government Policymakers in Regards to Immigrants Across the Mexican United States Border, Kathryn Harrison
Department: Religious Studies

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More Peaceful Society: the Application of the Buddhist Theology of Peace in the Christian West, Danielle Hawkins
Department: Religious Studies

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Talk to Me!: A Phenomenological Approach to the Study of Interfaith Dialogue, Lindsay M. Jarvis
Department: Religious Studies

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Dying to Live: Justifying Martyrdom, William M. Laukitis
Department: Religious Studies

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Investigation Into the Situation of Midwives During the European Witch Trials in Bavaria, Megan H. Potts
Department: Religious Studies; German Studies

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Cults: The Bad Religion?, Molly Spirer
Department: Religious Studies

Senior Independent Study Theses from 2003

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Reconnecting the Christian Male With the Wilderness: Embodying the Christian Wildman, Jeff Binder
Department: Religious Studies

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Theology, Law, and Ethics: Uncovering a Potentially Safe Space For Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered Youth Through the Role of the School Counselor in American Public Schools, Kathleen E. Boin
Department: Religious Studies

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God of Peace and the Peace of God: the Power of Nonviolence and Contemplation, Michael DuVall
Department: Religious Studies

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Sacred Politics: a Theoretical Outlook and Application of Religion in the United States, Kevin R. Huffman
Department: Religious Studies

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Scientific Evidence and Theological Arguments For the Failure of Scientific Creationism to Provide Sufficient Common Ground Between Theory of Evolution and Christianity, Richard W. Poole
Department: Religious Studies; Geology

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Glimpse of Truth, Alison Richardson
Department: Religious Studies; English

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Read Two Passages and Call Me in the Morning: a Study of the Effects That Religion Has on the Physical and Mental Health, With An Examination of How to Apply These Religious Aspects in a Clinical Setting, Kenneth S. Simmons Jr.
Department: Religious Studies

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Integrating Religious Studies Into Public Education, Lindsay M. Vargo
Department: Religious Studies

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"I Hate Your Fleshly Lives:" Ann Lee, Celibacy, and the Second Appearance of Christ in Early Shaker Doctrine, Marta N. Zaborowski
Department: Religious Studies

Senior Independent Study Theses from 2002

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Transformation, Renewal, and Gifts: the Cosmic Significance of Sacrifice in the Era of the Fifth Sun, Melissa I. Acosta
Department: Religious Studies

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"I Was a Stranger...": Faith, Responsibility, and Refugees, Morgan L. Barlow
Department: Religious Studies

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"Where's Arthur?": the Search For King Arthur From a Cultural and Religious Perspective, Shannon K. Boylan
Department: Religious Studies

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Looking For Salvation, Douglas N. Hagler
Department: Religious Studies

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Jesus of Harlem: Reflections of the Playwright, Rachel C. Hunter
Department: Religious Studies; Theatre and Dance

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Perspectives on Living and Dying: The Beliefs, Practices, and Modern Movements in Tibetan Buddhism, Virginia A. Miraldi
Department: Religious Studies

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Reform Judaism in America: the Chosen Identity of the "Chosen People", Robin Ragsdale
Department: Religious Studies

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"Sex": A Comparison on the Place of Sex in the Buddhist, Tantric, and Platonic Traditions, Sarah Sobel-Poage
Department: Religious Studies; Philosophy

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"Out of Hope Comes Prophecy": a Critical Analysis of the Scholarly Prophet Paradigm in Defining Native American Spiritual Leaders, Betsey A. Watson
Department: Religious Studies

Senior Independent Study Theses from 2001

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Reflectiveness, Creativity, and Spirituality: Can Reflectiveness and Imagination Revitalize Spirituality and Religious Belief?, Stephen B. Baughman
Department: Religious Studies; Psychology

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Common Ground of Peace: Using Pluralism and Nonviolent-Theologies As Tools For Change, Kristen L. Elkington
Department: Religious Studies

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Conflict Resolution and Christian Values: a Pilot Program With High School Students in a Parish Setting, Christina L. Jureller
Department: Religious Studies

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Religion, Education, and the Home Schooling Movement, Elise G. Pilorget
Department: Religious Studies

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Importance of Religion to the Civil War, Ian Vallenga
Department: Religious Studies

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The Importance of Religion to the Civil War, Ian Vellenga

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The Importance of Religion to the Civil War, Ian Vellenga

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Christianity and the Compassion of Choice: An Examination of the Arguments Supporting the Morality of the Pro-Choice Position and the Pro-Choice Voice With in Mainline Christian Denominations, Julia Wilson
Department: Religious Studies

Senior Independent Study Theses from 2000

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Silicon Addiction and Spiritual Starvation: a Forward-Looking Reflection on the History of Christianity and Technology, Peter W. P. Anderson
Department: Religious Studies

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Deciding to Die: An Exploration of Physician Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia in the Netherlands and the United States and the Movements to Legalize These Practices, Amy E. Farley
Department: Religious Studies

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Meat, Carmen J. Hotvedt
Department: Religious Studies

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Reorientation From Answer to Question: A Comprehensive Study of the Internalization of God in the Context of War., Nellika Little
Department: Religious Studies

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Contemporary Appalachian Serpent Handling: A Sociological Perspective of Rural Holiness Churches That Handle Poisonous Snakes, T. J. Marchio
Department: Religious Studies

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From Children's Rights to Human Rights: The Importance of Educating America's Future, Nicole Miller
Department: Religious Studies; Sociology and Anthropology

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Collective Revolution: An Examination of Intentional Communities, Emily E. Welty
Department: Religious Studies

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About God... Talk!: Feminist Thological God-Talk Within the Abrahamic Religions, Alexia C. Zdral
Department: Religious Studies

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Intermonastic Buddhist-Christian Dialogue: A Vehicle in Which to Explore the History, Models, Themes and Theories of Interreligious Dialogue, Timothy R. Ziegler
Department: Religious Studies

Senior Independent Study Theses from 1999

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Transforming the Traditional Christian Definition of Divine Power: Calling Christians to Accountability and Justice, Rebecca J. Barnes
Department: Religious Studies