Tag: BTM

Ellie Arzie, Jacob Belz, Grayson Bolanos, Benjamin Collins, Ryan Fike, Angel Iheanyi-Igwe, Taylor Jackson, Grace Kitchens, Sidney Lane, Nicholas McGowen, Mason Monrroy, Karis Price, Mati Richardson, Brodie Riscili, Keziah Santik, Ethan Unruh, Martha Valverde & Bailey Will

BTM 213 Christian Doctrine Theology Projects

Theology Festival: An hour-long celebration showcasing student theology projects based on the doctrines in the Nicene Creed. Experience a diversity of theological expression through discussion series, visual journals, podcasts, experience diaries, music portfolios, and research papers. Each student will provide a brief overview of their chosen doctrine and its practical applications. Come and see how theological concepts are brought to life through formats that honor different learning styles and creative strengths.

BTM 213, Christian Doctrine

Agam Iheanyi-Igwe & Jared Dodson

L203

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2 – 3 PM

Madeline Brainerd, Ally Bruner, Brady Housley, Davis Kyser, Michael Liyengo, Rob Neill, Juda Ortega, Jonathan Paz Perez, Emma Reineke, Jacob Richardson & Lwam Tesfamicael

Beyond Labels: Excavating Identity and Culture at Bushnell University

This interactive exhibit explores identity and belonging within the Bushnell University community through student-led cultural excavation. Inspired by Dr. Paul Metzger’s talk on insignia, impulse, iPhones, and industry, students interviewed key stakeholder groups—athletes, commuters, faculty/staff, and administrators—and created artifacts reflecting their findings. The exhibit features a bookshelf display of these artifacts with explanatory paragraphs, a polaroid photo collage, statistical data, and a short film compiling voices from the campus. This Living Cultural Museum invites viewers to consider what it means to be seen beyond labels and to celebrate the richness of our shared identity. 

BTM/HIST 207/307, Back to the Future – Theologies of Culture

Stephen Andes & Agam Iheanyi-Igwe

11:30 – Noon

Pomajevich Lobby

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Brett Olmstead

Overcoming Sports Idolatry

Following Jesus can become very difficult when you are surrounded by the world of sports. Sports can easily take away our time and make us more focused on our success than we are focused on God’s purpose for our lives. The problem is that we often make our sports an idol and lose sight of God, and the Church suffers because of this. I will walk us through why giving God the glory is how we get rid of sports idolatry because, 1. we look beyond ourselves when we glorify God, 2. when we look beyond ourselves we use sports for God’s purposes instead of our purposes, 3. when we do sports for God’s purposes instead of our purposes, we overcome idolatry. Because the solution to overcoming sports idolatry is giving God the glory, I will advocate that we do our best to use our sports to witness to others rather than seek our own glory.

BTM 499, Senior Capstone

David Reed

L203

1 – 1:30 PM

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Juda Ortega

The Digital Body of Christ: Can the Virtual Church Fulfill the New Testament Model?

This presentation explores whether the virtual church can fulfill the model of the New Testament church during times of crisis. It focuses on five essential practices found in the early church: fellowship, worship, baptism, the Eucharist, and the exercise of spiritual gifts. While virtual platforms can help believers remain spiritually engaged and connected during disruptions such as pandemics or persecution, some practices raise theological and practical concerns. Drawing from Scripture and historical examples of how the church has adapted under pressure, this presentation argues that the virtual church can temporarily carry out many core functions of the New Testament church. Though not a permanent replacement for an embodied community, the virtual church offers a faithful way for the body of Christ to remain unified and active when gathering in person is not possible.

BTM 499, Senior Capstone

David Reed

L203

1:30 – 2 PM

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Isabella Cameron, Debra Gisrael, Lynn Jacobson & Robbie McGowen

Reflections on Study Abroad in Israel/Palestine

This summer, Bushnell students and faculty studied abroad in Israel and Palestine. This ACE day presentation will provide reflections on sights seen and lessons learned. Topics covered include: pilgrimage, the Arab-Israeli conflict, archaeology, and spiritual engagement with the “Fifth Gospel” another name for the Holy Land.

BTM 307, Archaeology and the Bible

James Berry & Melisa Ortiz Berry

P114

2:30 – 4 PM

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Sarah Lemke

To be a Christian: What it Means to Have an Identity in Christ

Identity is an important topic of conversation for everyone, including Christians. A Christian’s core identity should be in Christ, and I will be explaining what this identity is. I will explore the created self which is made in the image of God, the crooked self which is our sinful nature, the resurrected self which is the new self we have in Christ, and the transfigured self which is who we are becoming through our faith.

BTM 499, Senior Capstone

Agam Iheanyi-Igwe

P103

10:30 – 11 AM

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Kalani Miller

In God We Trust: Religious Trauma in the American Evangelical Church

I will begin by discussing what religious trauma is and what Conservative American Evangelical Christianity is. I will then look at causes of religious trauma in Conservative American Evangelical Christianity as seen through a literature review and personally conducted research. Then, it will be concluded with looking at how the Bible addresses the aforementioned causes, and discussing what this means for today.

BTM 499, Honors: Senior Thesis

Agam Iheanyi-Igwe

L203 (click here to view the live stream)

1:30 – 2:30 PM

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Kalani Miller

From Jew to Gentile: The Transition from Judaism to Christianity

Abstract- This presentation will cover the transition from Judaism to Christianity during the Second Temple Period, the historical strife between both sides, Judaic Christianity in the book of Hebrews, and modern Messianic Judaism today.

BTM322 – Epistle to the Hebrews

Dr. AJ Swoboda

1:30pm – L203

Michael Frank

How Can Church Based Youth Groups Address the Social Impacts of the Pandemic on Young People (6th-12th Grade)

Abstract- This essay will be exploring how church based youth groups can address the social impacts of the pandemic on young people (6th-12th grade). COVID-19 undoubtedly had lasting affects on everyone, but young people specifically suffered in major ways. Young people’s lives were drastically changed forever. With that said, there must be a way that church based youth groups can come alongside young people, and better meet them where they are at with their struggles.

BTM499- Senior Capstone

Dr. Agam Iheanyi-Igwe

2pm – L203

Kalani Miller

Rewriting History: Spiritual Beauty in the Modern Church

I will give a brief explanation of the spiritual discipline “Visio Divina” and how it was used throughout history in the church. Then I will apply this discipline to the modern church, and I will conclude with how this can benefit the health of the church.

BTM 407, Special Topics: Spiritual Formation

Joshua Little

Bucher Room (view livestream here)

1 – 1:30 PM

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Kalani Miller

Risen From the Ashes: The Church Born From a Crucifixion

I will be covering the history of crucifixion and what we can learn from it in our modern era. This includes the scientific way Jesus died, the history of crucifixion in the Roman Empire, and how it continued into the early church era.

BTM 307, History of the Bible

Melisa Ortiz Berry

Bushnell History Symposium, P103

Join by Zoom

9:30 AM – Noon

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Hannah Duncan

Learning to Lament

The book of Psalms, containing both praises and laments, was used by Israel in worship. Western churches today, however, worship in praise more than lament, leading people to believe that their sorrow is from a lack of faith. The balance of praise and lament in the Church is important because it allows us to bring our whole self to God and acknowledge God’s response of faithful love. By looking at other cultures and understanding the language of the Psalms, churches can authentically worship God together through lament.

BTM 370, Book of Psalms

Joshua Little

L204

1 – 1:30 PM

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Kalani Miller

The Queen Who Cared

Esther, one of only two books of the Bible that never mentions the name of God, is a historical narrative that teaches us how God works behind the scenes in our lives. While there is no historical evidence of her existence, she demonstrates a spirit of courage and a faith in God that can still be applied today.

BTM 101, Old Testament

A. J. Swoboda

L204

1:30 – 2 PM

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Kaleea Washington

Encountering Wonder, Informing Creation

This presentation is about the biblical theme of “wonder” as it relates to the created world. This brief capstone will research both primary and secondary sources and will explore the concept of wonder as has been defined continuously as the act of “marvel” or “amaze” in the Greek and Hebrew translations found in Strong’s concordance. The following work will explore in particular the complexities pertaining to the experience of encountering wonder in creation. These complexities are more often than not measured by the qualitative and intimate experiences of modern authors and those who partook in the establishment of Holy Scripture. Moreover, this exploration of wonder will seek to beg the question—how does wonder impact us? To that end, I will utilize and describe the concept of “informing creation” as a way of speaking to our responsibility to care for God’s creation which includes all God has created, his all-encompassing workmanship, the animal kingdom, humanity, and Earth. 

Keywords: Scripture, Wonder, Creation, Experience, Decay

BTM 499, Senior Capstone

A. J. Swoboda

L204

2 – 2:30 PM

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Kalani Miller

The Covid Letter

My presentation will cover the main points of 1 Peter. First, who wrote 1 Peter, then where the letter was written to. This leads into an explanation of two main parts of the letter – suffering as a Christian and the Household Codes. Finally, it is wrapped up with how this actually applies to our everyday lives.

BTM 102, Engaging With the Bible: How to Read the Bible in the 21st Century

Brian Mills

Bucher Room

10:30 – 11 AM

View stream here

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Kinkade Barreiro

Engaging with Skeptics: Existentialism

Evangelizing is a key part of the Christian faith. For the Christian, it is important to learn how to evangelize so that they can share their religions teachings. For the atheist though, this practice is not as common, nor is it a key part of the belief system. So, then, how does the atheist share their beliefs. Through the eyes of an atheist philosophy known as Existentialism, this paper examines the pieces of this particular philosophical tradition, how it contrasts Christian teachings, and how Christians may critique the Philosophy. The purpose of the paper is to make the Existentialist aware of how their beliefs may interact with Christianity to prepare for discourse among Christians while also showing Christians and other people of faith how the Existential tradition sees their reality and the ways that Christianity relates to it.

BTM 335, Connecting with a Skeptical World

AJ Swoboda

1 – 1:30 PM

Join the Zoom discussion afterward. The presenter and faculty advisor both have the password.

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Elliott Rinehart

A biblical analysis of the nature of sin

An investigation of sin in the Bible. The aim of the Christian life is righteousness contrasted by the sinful nature of humans. A Christian understanding of sin is seen through language and the Bible. Sin may be understood better through the words used for sin in the Bible. There are many different types of sin, and aspects to sin. Examining the sins shown in the book of Genesis provides an overview of how sin is represented in Christianity. Temptation may be categorized as sin part of the time. A proper understanding of sin in the Bible should ease the hearts and minds of Christians as well as provide a more accurate understanding of how to live a Christian life.

BTM 499, Capstone

AJ Swoboda

1:30 – 2 PM

Join the Zoom discussion afterward. The presenter and faculty advisor both have the password.

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Kelly Willyard

The Psalmist Use of the Word Soul” in Psalm 42 and 43
This project explores the number of meanings and uses the word soul has in Hebrew. The Hebrew word for soul is nephesh. I focus on how the psalmist specifically uses nephesh in Pslam 42. I conclude with a practical application of nephesh in the Christian faith.
BTM 499, Capstone
Agametochukwu D. Iheanyi-Igwe
P103
10 – 10:30 AM
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Natalie Downes, Carina Haas, Shahaley Holzgang, Caireen Lounsbury, Kaitlin Martin, & Payton Martin

Contemporary Parable Project

Jesus often communicated spiritual or theological truth through parables. The details of the parables were contemporary to the original hearers in 1st Century Palestine. Students have created modern-day parables that teach similar spiritual or theological truth to the parables of Jesus. The following parables will be on display: “The 10 Virgins,” “The Good Samaritan,” “The Pearl,” “The Banquet,” “The Sower,” “The Prodigal Son,” and “The Lost Sheep.”

BTM 102, Engaging with the Bible: How to Read the Bible in the 21st Century, “Into the Text, Out to Serve in the World”

Agametochukwu Iheanyi-Igwe

Banquet Room

10 AM – 3:30 PM

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Gabrielle Morales

Genesis 15: A Single Seed

The life of a plant is produced by what we know as the germination of a seed. From the single seed of one man, Abraham, came the Son of God. Dormant as man may view it—the descendants—the covenant God made with Abraham was eventually fulfilled a near 2,000 years later. This former infertile seed went on to germinate and produce a plant, which dropped seeds, creating more plants, generating more life; just like the stars, the life produced by this single seed was and is all too much to count. But it did not stop with the birth of Jesus. It had only begun at the cross. This nearly 4,000-year-old covenant carries on today.

BTM 101, Engaging with the Bible: How to Read the Bible in the 21st Century

Joshua Little

9 AM – 3:30 PM

Banquet Room

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Scholar Lunch

Come to L203 at noon. If you’re one of the first to arrive, you can have free pizza. The meal’s entertainment consists of five minute talks by representatives from majors and minors across campus. Speakers will take a single idea they learned from their major or minor coursework, explain it, explain why it’s useful or beautiful, and explain why they personally love it. Scheduled speakers:

  • Angela Cusano, Spanish
  • Mitchell Davis, Bible & Ministry
  • Kristyn Dodge, History
  • Garrett Kraal, Exercise Science
  • Payton Martin, Mathematics
  • Kaleb Miles, Biology
  • Alaina Thomson, Psychology
  • McKenzie Wirth, Communication

L203

Noon – 1 PM

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Kristyn Dodge

The Heresy Gospel: A Comparison of the Gnostic Gospels to the Synoptic Gospels

72 years ago, two Egyptian brothers found 13 leather bound books of parchment in a clay pot deep in a cave along the Nile. Not only were these books an amazing find, they came with a long and controversial history. In the early days of the Church, our Church Fathers had to struggle with what carried Christ’s true message and what didn’t. One of the dangers they had to face were found in these bound volumes that preached a different Christ while promoting the highly valued principles of sophia (wisdom) and gnosis (knowledge). When they accepted the Synoptic Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke as well as John, they created the Church’s official canon. Together we will look at the Gnostic Gospels and ask ourselves the questions: what is it about the Gnostic Gospels that are so compelling? And why were they rejected while the Synoptic Gospels became canon?

BTM 365H, The History of the Bible in English

Steve Silver

P114

1:30 – 2 PM

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Nathan Sutherland

Todah as Communion

Communion is likely one of the most important things that many churches in the world today simply view as a quick practice that is more of an afterthought than something that is central to the life of the believer and the church. However, recapturing the authentic vision that Jesus had for the Eucharist is vital in understanding more fully the life that he wants us to participate in with him. In the church today, it is difficult to pin down exactly what communion is. While most people would agree that communion is the partaking of bread and the drinking of wine to remember what Jesus has done for us on the cross, the practical way that is played out in churches across the world looks drastically different everywhere.

How can we recapture the authentic vision for communion that Jesus undoubtedly had in mind when he instituted it as a practice in the upper room with the disciples in Matthew 26? In order to answer this question, we must look at three aspects of communion. First, we must look at the history of communion, not only in the church, but also in what Hebrew traditions Jesus implemented communion around. Secondly, we must look to the theology of what happened in the upper room when Jesus instituted communion to understand what Jesus intended for communion to look like in practice for his followers. Thirdly, we must take what we learned from the history and theology of communion to know how to successfully integrate it into the practice of church today.

BTM 499, Capstone

Dennis Lindsay

2:30 – 3 PM

P114

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