As of Monday, have successfully defended by doctoral dissertation, and have been awarded the degree of Ph.D. in Theological Studies with highest marks. This academic chapter of my life has unfolded over fourteen years of my life. Fourteen years of worship-filled academic labor. Praise the LORD!
The comments redeemed the countless hours of hard work. My PhD mentor went as far as calling it “a stunning masterpiece!” Here were some of the comments I received during my oral exam, as well as a copy of the dissertation:
- On Scholarship and Research:
- “This was a superb, dare I say superior, dissertation. The research was comprehensive and deep, and the scholarship was impeccable. It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to read this dissertation.”
“Excellent scholarship & research project. Displays awareness of a wide range of relevant scholarship, excellent in-depth interaction with research and overall exemplary research.”
“Truly excellent in every way.”
- “This was a superb, dare I say superior, dissertation. The research was comprehensive and deep, and the scholarship was impeccable. It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to read this dissertation.”
- Analysis, Evaluation, and Argumentation
- “The dissertation’s analysis was clear, concise, and right on point. The evaluation and argumentation were impeccable.”
- “Good analysis of the topic. Leonard shows developed skills of evaluation and he even-handedly explores O’Donovan’s thoughts, offering balanced critiques and argumentation with helpful proposals.”
- “Both thorough extensive and at the highest possible level.”
- Clarity, Style, Grammar, and Form
- “I have had the opportunity to read my fair share of dissertations, and this was one of the best that I have had the privilege to read in terms of clarity and style. The form was clear and concise, and the grammar was enviable.”
- “Writing, style, grammar and form are excellent in every way. Only 1 mistyped sentence in 533 pages.”
- Overall Evaluation
- “Of the more than fourscore dissertations I have read in my academic career, I would put Leonard Goenaga’s dissertation in the top five. He has made a major contribution to the field. This dissertation will spark a great deal of discussion in scholarly circles concerning covenants, their importance, and how they can be utilized to clarify and provide foundational support to Protestant and Evangelical social theory and analysis.”
- “Overall, an excellent project that is clearly the result of much time and thought. Leonard has met and exceeded expectation of a doctoral thesis.”
- “A stunning masterpiece!”
Covenant and Constitution: An Appraisal of Covenant as an Ecclesial, Marital, and Political Idea
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