A Critique of Theoretical Models

In How to help people change, Dr. Jay Adams (1986) does not present a model of counseling per se. Instead, he provides an analysis, better yet and interpretation 2 Timothy 3:16. The interpretation is presented definitively as the sole method of acceptable counseling from a Christian and biblical context. One major flaw in his work is the underlying theological presupposition that only Christian people utilizing the framework he outlines can offer a process for counseling that results in what he calls acceptable change. Another unreasonable position held by Adams is the idea that change is only acceptable if it is â€Å"toward God† (p. 6).While this is certainly true in regards to salvation and the biblical directive to be a living sacrifice before God (NASB, Romans 12:1), even Jesus acknowledged that both the righteous and the unrighteous live under some measure of God’s grace and benefit (Matthew 5:45). It is unsustainable to hold a position that unredeemed persons are not able to observe God’s purpose and design in humanity and offer some level of help, in the context of counseling, even if it is not totally in alignment with God’s Word. I admire Adams stance and value on Scripture.In his book, he presents a view of the Bible that is an essential inhabitant of the Judeo-Christian worldview and value system. Nevertheless, he does not allow for elements of God’s truth to be discovered or evaluated from a perspective outside of the pages of Scripture. Adams says that â€Å"if it is a truth that is necessary to counseling, it will be found already in a purer form in the Bible† (p. 39). Honestly, one nearly has to reject intellectual credibility to formulate this type of statement because the Bible simply does not address a lot of issues tackled in the therapeutic sessions today.I wonder what would be Adam’s solution for a client’s disorderly and unrestrained sexual addictive behavior. The first solution woul d be to direct them to the Bible verses that as a Christian, they already know. Another solution would be to remind them that they should be reading the Bible and praying more than ever. In reality, if neither of those approaches work, then the nouthetic counseling approach would conclude that a person is one whom God has turned over to their own â€Å"degrading passions† (NASB, Romans 1: 26) thus breaking fellowship with them.Logically, one could see and would reason that sexual addictive behavior is rooted in an intimacy disorder, therefore once that is understood, biblical principles and theological understandings should under-gird the counselor’s approach to helping a counselee work towards healthy healing with the dilemma. According to Adams (1986), â€Å"†¦people must first hear the gospel, believe, and be saved† (p. 12). Seriously, this cannot be the first step in a counseling model. I believe that it would be a desired goal and that it could even be the best.Conversely, the counselor must meet a person where he or she is in life. Furthermore, it may be that a therapeutic relationship of trust must be built before the counselor even has an opportunity to introduce the idea of a relationship with Christ. In addition, even though it sounds unspiritual to say, the counselor must accept that some people are able to adjust and live well as non-Christian persons. They may not end up going to Heaven, but we cannot deny that some non-Christians live seemingly fulfilled lives.Dr. William Backus and Marie Chapian (2000) offer a good biblically based cognitive-behavior resource for dealing with feeling based concerns where cognitive awareness exists or is readily accessible in their book Telling Yourself the Truth. In addition, this writing provides a good dialogue about a Christian perspective concerning a person’s self-worth. However, there are some basic flaws in the model of Christian counseling as presented by Backus and Chapi an.It is not acceptable to present the concept of â€Å"attitude† as if it only involves cognition (p. 16). In addition, Backus and Chapian offers a very simplistic understanding regarding triggers. It is doubtful that a counselor who works with persons involved in addictive behavior and sexual brokenness concerns would agree with Backus and Chapian’s etiology of self-hate. The most troublesome aspect of this model is their idea that â€Å"misbeliefs are the direct cause of emotional turmoil and maladaptive behavior† (p. 17).This statement alone demonstrates that Backus and Chapian do not understand developmental processes and that their perception concerning the impending impact of childhood experiences is feeble, at best. It is almost an absurdity to conclude that the primordial mental representations, including feelings, which are the basis for the characterological development of a person, language and socialization, are â€Å"caused by what we tell ourselv es about our circumstances† (p. 17). Even with such flaws, it is agreed that Backus and Chapian’s model is useful in a cognitive-behavioral context concerning many adult concerns.In positioning their model of counseling as more appropriate than secular methods, Backus and Chapian state that â€Å"many excellent scientific investigations have demonstrated that it is entirely unnecessary to uncover the childhood antecedents of current behaviors in order to change them† (p. 25). However, there was no citation or reference provided to document existence of such scientific studies. Consistent with Adams, Backus and Chapian ascribe to the theological position that â€Å"Jesus taught that the truth has freeing power† (p. 181).However, Jesus actually said, â€Å"You shall know the Truth and the Truth shall set you free† (NASB, John 8:32). While Jesus was referring to His spoken word, it is also important to remember that according to John 1:1, Jesus is the Word and the context of John 8:32 presents Jesus as the light of the world. Both writings overemphasize the importance of the Word of God to the point of minimizing the importance of a relationship with Jesus. Backus and Chapian’s model, as does Adams’ models, fall short in a range of areas with scores of rationales.One area where the two counseling models are inadequate is in working with trauma-based concerns. There is no consideration for fear-based trauma memories resulting in cynical planning which bypasses cognitive function. Further there is no consideration in either counseling model for understanding concerns where the etiology of a problem is rooted in an attachment disorder. Of course cognitive-behavioral methods are appropriate in dealing with such concerns. However, it is inadequate to conclude that the sole method of treating attachment pathology is a focused effort towards changing one’s thinking process.It is interesting that neither Adams nor Ba ckus attempted to provide a framework for personality organization when presenting their counseling model. Rather, they both expend a great deal of effort in standing against the writings and views of others. It would be desirable that evangelical authors would stop writing about what everyone in the Psychology field is doing wrong. Instead, it would be helpful to develop a theory or model of personality and counseling that all Christian persons could work towards maturing and developing.It seems wasteful to continue presenting emotionally charged views against others at the expense of building our own Christian understandings. References Adams, J. E. (1986). How to help people change: The four-step biblical process. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. Backus, W. & Chapian, M. (2000). Telling yourself the truth: Find your way out of depression, anxiety, fear, anger, and other common problems by applying the principles of misbelieve therapy. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House Publishers.

Limited Power of the People

Man's destiny is at his own hands. Certainly true nowadays for most people, but there was a time when, and presently in some areas where, people do not decide their own destiny. Destiny of those people was decided upon by their masters or their rulers. In the early modern period (1500's – 1700's) most people do not have the luxury to choose their own path. Take for example the Africans and the people under some monarch. During this time, Africans were compelled to be slaves and imported to Europe and America. While in the case of people under monarchy, their laws are under the authority of their ruler. According to the True Law of Free Monarchies written by James I of England, the king is responsible for the whole land and his subjects. He is the master of every individual residing in his kingdom. He had the power over the life and death of his people. In a monarch, rules and laws made by the king were crafted at his followers' advise or proposal but it is still subjected to the king's discretion on what to implement when times arises. His authority solely made these laws official. Implementation or revoking of certain laws or policies is within his bounds alone. The people are put to oath to be loyal followers of their king and his predecessors. Generally, a king's subject has a sort of liberty as long as they follow the rules of the land and whatever the king wishes them to do. Most of the kings give very harsh punishment to those persons who do not follow his orders. The king is not bound to anything except his conscience and his goodwill to his subjects. As for the slaves, they do not have the conveniences savored by the followers of the king. They absolutely do not have the freedom to do their own will. Slaves were commonly captives or prisoners of war. The victors, rather than killing them, prefer to make use of them or profit from them. Later on, slavery was brought about by racial discrimination. Slavery trade soon flourished when civilization progressed. They use/bought these slaves for the manpower needed to produce the needs of their people, especially for doing arduous tasks. They were usually traded in exchange for money, foods, goods or ammunitions. The slaves were usually kept inside the cages or tied around a tree. According to Bosman, the slaves were first examined by a physician before they purchase them. All those handicapped were set aside, only the physically fit ones were bought. They were also branded for easy identification of their buyers. With regards to food during the voyage, the slaves were fed thrice a day, the food much better than the food that they were eating at their place according to Bosman. Their sleeping area is divided per gender. One part is designated for men, the other is for women. They usually lie very close to each other because they are usually crowded due to the large number of slaves shipped. Majority of the slaves were treated poorly and cruelly by their masters. Very seldom will you find masters that are good to their slaves. Some who are lame were beaten to death. Slaves were not allowed to marry their masters or mistresses but there are some secret relationships that transpired. The world of these people was very limited especially the slaves. They do everything that was asked by their master or ruler and they do not have the right to complain. Some even kill themselves when told to do so by their masters. Their lives were literally on their master's hands. Over time, slavery trade dwindled down because of some resistance and laws enacted upon by humane individuals, monarchy had also been lax with their subject. But if you look around, the idea of slavery or ruling over somebody has not been totally obliterated, some people still do not have the power to choose their own destiny. In the present years, slavery is not so obvious. Though it still exists but it operates discreetly. It is demonstrated by ruling class or rich people by using their money power to influence and dictate the lives of the poor. They have all the power to manipulate them, a discreet demonstration of slavery. Works Cited Page Bosman, Willem. A. A New and Accurate Description of the Coast of Guinea Divided into the Gold, the Slave, and the Ivory Coasts. http://www.cambridge.org/resources/0521808944/3355_WiesnerHanks%20ch13%20sources.pdf James I. True Law of Free Monarchies. http://www.thenagain.info/Classes/Sources/JamesI.html Lain, Zachary. All Men Are Created Equal: Or Are They? The Triangular Slave Trade. http://dhr.dos.state.fl.us/museum/programs/historyfair/Lain.pdf ;

A character analysis of the priest (Abbe Marignan) in the short Story Essay

A character analysis of the priest (Abbe Marignan) in the short Story Clair De Lune - Essay Example The protagonist Abbe Marignan, is essentially a composure of most of the elements used to create the story. Depicted as a priest, Marignan signifies both extremes on love and hence espouses the various elements used inside the story itself. The very first line of the story perhaps best signifies the first aspect of Abbe Marignan’s personality where Maupassant exclaims Marignan as a â€Å"soldier of God†. The contention here is to depict Marignan as a righteous yet fanatical individual since a soldier is by design fanatically tied to the doctrines of a higher order. Maupassant clarifies this view through his second line where he delineates the priest’s existence as: The use of the word â€Å"fanatical† signifies that Marignan was a zealous individual in the higher order service of God. In being a servant of God, Marignan has been depicted as being righteous an uncompromising – just as any fanatic is. In his fanaticism Marignan has been depicted as a learned man who does his best to discover the Lord’s purpose for every other thing. Maupassant exclaims: In itself, this small question reveals a lot about Marignan’s basic nature which is inquisitive. However, as the story later reveals, Marignan is inquisitive as well as nosy since he goes ahead and interferes with something that does not concern him. This characteristic may be attributed to everyone who believes that he is in line with God and is in some degree God’s representative on earth. Since religious figures such as priests are entrusted with religion on a professional scale, so it might be expected that they would interfere in other people’s lives to determine their righteousness (Heap). Furthermore, Marignan has been shown as a person who inquires into things and finds divine explanations for them. Maupassant expresses this as: Being part of divinity, Marignan feels that he knows

Williams Company Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Williams Company - Essay Example New business direction promised opportunities for the Williams Company and resulted in high revenue growth during 1998-and 2001. An examination how strategy is formed gives useful insights into the nature of financial strategy itself. In 1999 Williams decided to list WCG (Williams Conunumcatiort Group) in initial public offering. It was made to have a major source of finance from shares came in the form of IPO that raised approximately $650 million and 5725 million raised through placements to private investors. The main problem was that Williams did not take into account rapidly changing environment of the telecommunication industry, long-term predictions as for its financial activity, and economic peculiarities of the industry. There were two main problems led into collapse: the industry suffered from over production and it could not fared well in the economic downturn. Williams took pains to improve the situation by newly issues shares of WCG equity. Again, Williams faced with the problem of indirect "credit support" WCG's debt" provided for WCG. In accordance with the legislation it was treated as "pff balance sheet," and did not appear as a liability on the firm's balance sheet. An addition to this in April, 2002 the state security started investigation process as for WCG's financial activity. Accept WCG financial problems Williams faced problems with Energy Marketing and Trading Divisions caused by the unstable market situation. Credit ratings and rising yields on the trade worsen the situation and created another problem for Williams traders which needed a credit but were unable to get it from counterparts After these nuisances, Williams developed new financial strategy based on "aggressive program of asset sales" and capital expenditure. The plan to cut investment was developed in previous years and was the promising one to help Williams to overcome financial crisis. The investment made by warren Buffin in Williams allowed Williams to achieve financial flexibility and economic stability at the middle of 2002, but did not sole the main problems. In addition, Berkshire Hathaway and Lehman Brothers offered a 900 million dollar loan to Williams, but on the strict terms. Williams financial reporting involves the collection and presentation of data for use of financial management and accounting. According to the Exhibit 2 and 3, the main financial figures of the Williams companies main positions are high in comparison with Domination Recourses, Murphy Oil, except Dynegy company. The net income of William applicable to common shares figure has the highest rate between 1999-2001. According to the financial data Williams Company has the market value on equity which increased between 1999 and 2000, but failed in 2001; only Dominion resources has the highest rate. The figures of the total assets of Williams Company show the stable growth in 1999 and 2000. Because of the crisis affected the company the level of total assets decreased 1,5% in 2001 but remains the highest in comparison with its competitors. The cash flow investment activity was $1,970M (1999), 2,337M (2000) and 3, 543M (2001). Only Dominion Resources has the high figures in 2001. It is known that EBITDA is used to analyze the profitability between companies and industries, because it eliminates the effects of financing and accounting

Discussion Board Question for criminal justice Assignment - 3

Discussion Board Question for criminal justice - Assignment Example . (Saferstein, 2011). The assessment of bloodstain pattern also limits the need to collect a lot of redundant blood sample for DNA testing, emphasizing importance of blood patter observation. (Ramsland, n.d). Shape of blood stain can help predict the tool used. For example, it may be deduced that it was a blunt instrument used just by shape and distribution of blood patterns.(Dave, 2014).Features of the pattern can hint to the kind of object that formed it and the least number of blows delivered by the object. For instance, the characteristic spurts present in an arterial spray spatter are created by the ongoing pumping of blood from an arterial injury. ( Saferstein, 2011) Surface texture can significantly affect the outline of bloodstain. The texture of the surface is related with the disruption of a blood drop on contact with the surface. .( Saferstein 2011).Smooth surface for instance glass, will provide a stain with clean edges and shapes of proper geometric ratio.  A rough surface on the other hand, say concrete, will break the surface tension irregularly and hence produce a star burst. .( Saferstein, 2011) Nevertheless, circular blood drops imply that the murder was moving way at a slow speed, but spiny edges imply the murderer might have took off running.( Dave,2014) Various types of bloodstains show how the blood was projected from the body and information like type of injury, order in which the wounds were received, and how far the blood drops fell before hitting the surface where they were found could be obtained. (Ramsland,n.d ) Flow pattern of the blood stains can also give information. For instance, if the pattern suggests the flow was interrupted, it may be helpful in assessing the sequence and time past between the flow and its interruption. . ( Saferstein ,2011) Moreover, because the direction of flows is caused by

Software Quality Assesment Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Software Quality Assesment - Coursework Example This ensures that there is prevention of any unforeseen defects. When started from the beginning of the product manufacture, the involved parties are able to consult with each other and understand the defects that arise as they progress to several stages of production. Quality is a difficult and comprehensive idea that always is determined by several factors. This could either be from the transcendental point of view that views quality as an idea that is recognizable but hard to describe. From users’ point of view quality is the ability of a product to accomplish its reason for being manufactured. Manufacturers see quality as sticking to laid down product qualifications. the products point of view that views quality as been one and the same to with definite features of a software and finally the value based point of view that views quality in relation to how much the final user is willing and able to pay so as to acquire it. There are several ways that the quality of software is ensured during manufacturing process (Tian 2005). These are: Software Testing Software testing is a systematic process mainly dedicated to the detection software defects. The product being manufactured is put to test under conditions that can be manipulated. This could be in special control rooms within the company premise specially designed for this type of work. The main reason the manufacturers ensure that such an environment should be in a position to be manipulated is because the manufacturers intend to create several scenarios whereby things go wrong when they are not supposed to and then they find ways to deal with the problem. Software Verification and Validation The verification process is undertaken so that the product is cleared of unforeseen malfunctions right before the testing process commences. Verification is made up of evaluations, meetings, assessing plans, policies, check ups, specifications among other details. On the other hand, validation comes immediately after validation and is the definite analysis of the product to establish its short comings that might arise due to malfunctions. Test Case A test case is a document that outlines the contributions, actions or events and the probable reactions of software. This assists the manufacturers/programmers to find out whether all aspects of the products are in the expected working status. This document contains s specifics such as the test case identifier, name, purpose, test circumstances, procedure as well as the expected outcomes. Good Design A good design is achieved when the general make up of the product is understandable, effortlessly adjustable and easy to preserve. The perfect design of a product always relies on the final users requirements. There are those products meant for commercial use thus this are made more complicated and very efficient than those meant for private/home use. Software Inspection This is a process meant to uncover imperfections and problems especially in records stipulating specifications, coding, and test cases among other issues (Rombach 1993). It is imperative to understand that this process just detects a hitch and notifies the manufacturers however it is not a process for rectification of such a problem. Most of the time in software quality checking procedures, it is very cost effective. It is open to many observers but only a single reader, moderator and a single individual for taking notes is required. Walkthrough This is a spontaneous and off the record meeting that is meant for analyzing the product. This is always attended by the management of the

Critically think about the drop in crime in the US at the end of the Essay

Critically think about the drop in crime in the US at the end of the nineties - Essay Example There was another hypothesis developed that the drop in crime rate was due to the introduction of the Three Strikes Law. This allocation provided that any felony criminal who was arrested on a third offence would be sentenced to life imprisonment (Rushefsky, 2007, 535). The first of the states to allot this was the State of Washington, subsequent steps to continue with this step taking place in Colorado, Arkansas, Nevada and so on. This practice has led to a general reduction in the rate of crime n the United States, with the year 2010 being the safest moments of all. With the homicide division having the lowest record of crime, there has been a decline in other divisions such as violent crimes, rape and robbery. (Press 2010, 135) In conclusion, there are two hypotheses describing the decline in the rate of crime in the United States. The introduction of the Three Strikes Law and the legalization of abortion have contributed to the decline in crime in the United States (Wilensky, 2002, 235). However, there has also been overall improvement in the administration of