Master's Theses

Malaysia Message and Southern Bell (1929-1953) as a religious and cultural transmission media: A content analysis

2026-02-07T04:00:45Z

Malaysia Message and Southern Bell (1929-1953) as a religious and cultural transmission media: A content analysis Chan, Eik Kent This study analyzes the Malaysia Message and Southern Bell publications from 1929-1953. It highlights the importance of the content of these publications. Through content analysis within a social constructionist framework, it revealed the religious and cultural content conveyed by these publications. Their religious content covers a wide range of topics, including church development, global Methodist events, ministry activities, inspirational material, pastoral doctrinal discussions, and religious education. Culturally, they offer narratives of local practices, literary expressions, educational initiatives, and moral debates. These publications profoundly influence the identity, values, and beliefs of their readers by shaping their understanding of faith communities, reinforcing faith values, and contributing to theological perspectives. The historical and socio-cultural value of these publications is evident, documenting the growth and contributions of the Malaysian Methodist Church while enriching religious discourse, education, and understanding of Christian values. While the Malaysia Message tracked the development of the Malayan Methodist Church, the Southern Bell offered unique insights into Chinese Methodist views that reflected movements within the Methodist community. Given the value of these publications, this study argues that theological libraries should preserve these two publications; their preservation in theological libraries reflects the narratives and perspectives that enrich the collective memory of the Methodist heritage. At the same time, it ensures access to primary sources, supports the dissemination of knowledge, and contributes to the enrichment of society within religious and scholarly circles. Abstract only

Library services of Baptist Theological Libraries in Myitkyina, Myanmar : A comparative analysis

2025-05-05T07:00:22Z

Library services of Baptist Theological Libraries in Myitkyina, Myanmar : A comparative analysis Ying, Ting This study delves into the library services offered by Baptist theological institutions in Myitkyina, Myanmar, focusing on comparative analysis. The demographic profiles of library staff were examined, revealing insights into the composition of participants within the study. The research explored factors like the libraries' years of existence, staffing numbers, collection sizes, and budgets. Additionally, the study investigated the available services and facilities and examined staff support for library services in Myitkyina. Finally, a comparative analysis highlighted similarities and differences within library services, aligning them with the established ATS standards. The findings unveiled significant diversity among the theological libraries in Myitkyina regarding their operational history, staff capacity, collection volume, and financial resources. Libraries demonstrate a fundamental commitment to serving their users, providing core services, thoughtfully designed spaces, and specialized support. However, a gap exists in full compliance with ATS standards, specifically regarding the diversity of library resources and their technological integration. The recommendations put forth in this study underscore the practical steps that can be taken to enhance user awareness of library resources. These steps include promotion, training, and the expansion of digital offerings. The study also advises libraries, students, researchers, administrators, and librarians to actively work towards bridging the identified gaps in ATS compliance. This can be achieved through the use of diverse resources, fostering collaboration, providing feedback, and reviewing policies for alignment with standards. These collective efforts aim to significantly improve and strengthen the library services offered by Baptist theological libraries in Myitkyina. Abstract only

Factors influencing students' information-seeking behavior in a theological school in Indonesia: Basis for a library services enhancement plan

2025-04-05T04:00:29Z

Factors influencing students' information-seeking behavior in a theological school in Indonesia: Basis for a library services enhancement plan Juarni This descriptive correlational study was conducted to describe students' information seeking behavior in a theological school in Indonesia as a basis for the enhancement of library services. This study employed a one-shot online survey to gather the data. Total enumeration was used to identify respondents; hence, there were eighty-seven (87) respondents, but only seventy-one (71) of them were able to return the questionnaire. The research instrument was researcher-made and adapted from the 2016 study of Ma. Reden N. Montaño, entitled Barriers to and Facilitators of Information-Seeking Behavior of Medical Students of West Visayas State University and was also based on ACRL standards. Data gathered were analyzed using frequency, means, percentage, t-test, f- test, Kruskal-Wallis Test, significance value, standard deviation, and gamma value. Results suggested that the respondents choose a more convenient way of searching for information where they prefer the online mode. There are no significant differences in the respondents’ information-seeking behavior according to their sex, course and year- level. Significant difference in information-seeing behavior of the respondents was found only if they were grouped according to their age. Environmental and psychological factors give significant influence to the information-seeking behavior of the respondents. In conclusion, it is recommended that the library in a theological school in Indonesia should continue to enhance its resources and services so that its clienteles can have a better reach of its provisions. The library should subscribe to qualified resources (print and electronic formats and databases), strengthen networks and linkages to other libraries (local and international), and conduct training on information and internet literacy. Abstract only

An exegetical analysis on the use of Tsitsit in prayer in Numbers 15:37-41

2022-08-15T03:00:17Z

An exegetical analysis on the use of Tsitsit in prayer in Numbers 15:37-41 Dime, Ana A. This study used exegetical method to analyze the use of tsitsit in prayer in Numbers 15:37-41, its origin, function, and meaning. Books, dictionaries, encyclopedias, and other on-line materials were used as relevant references. Results of the study revealed that the commandment of wearing the tsitsit was given by God through Moses while the Israelites were still in the wilderness, after they had gone out from Egypt and before they entered the Promised Land. This commandment was ordained for all generations. A blue thread or cord was specified to be placed on the borders or comers of their garments. The tsitsit (tassels or fringes) serves as a visual reminder to obey the commandments of the Lord. The color tekhelet (blue) was expensive because it came from a rare sea snail that must be harvested by hand and many snails were needed to produce a single drop of dye. In the course of time, garment fashion has changed and the Israelites developed a particular garment called tallit (prayer shawl) on which the tsitsit could be attached. is primarily used in their daily prayers, worship, and other religious ceremonies, and they wear a small tallit for their ordinary daily living. This garment never parts from the wearers until death that it is worn even during burial. Up to this day, Israelites wear the tsitsit attached to the tallit. Abstract only