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Public Theology and Political Polarization: Environmental Policy
Get PDFThe purpose of this article is to explore the impact of public theology on potentially polarizing political views. Specifically, the historical and contemporary interpretations of the Lynn White Thesis (1966) are examined as well as the practical implications for developing environmental policies that align with a biblical worldview. The authors propose the application of multiple paradigms to the study of religiosity and environmental activism as a way of addressing the complexity and diversity of various viewpoints. Understanding the multiple ways Jesus operated in an equally contentious and polarized society creates a path forward for churches. By rejecting the supposition that all Christians adhere to a model of dominionism that has been historically equated with exploitation, as theorized by White, other people of faith who differ in their understanding can be included in the conversation as prescribed by the tenets of public theology. This approach enables Christian leaders to resolve differences and contribute to the process of spiritual transformation and ecological renewal
The Effectiveness of Various Forms of Physical Exercise on the Trauma Recovery Process: A Quantitative Study
Get PDFThe purpose of this research is to further the knowledge base on available trauma recovery processes. The extent to which trauma is experienced in the United States as well as the long-term effects of trauma are becoming increasingly apparent within the mental health community. Identifying and providing care that addresses trauma is therefore paramount. Previous research annotates that physical exercise of various types has positively impacted the relationship between experienced trauma and trauma recovery. This study further explores this relationship, and considers physical activities that are specifically bilateral in nature due to the overlap of such activities with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). The analysis conducted for this study includes a moderation model of various forms of physical activity on the relationship between experienced trauma and trauma recovery. The results of this study annotate that vigorous physical activity and yoga both have a statistically significant impact on this relationship. This study includes a background of the experienced trauma problem, a literature review of evidence-based practices addressing trauma and related disorders, how the study was conducted, the results of the study, as well as a discussion about the study’s findings, limitations, implications for counseling and counselor education and supervision, as well as future research considerations
Lack of Diverse Leadership in a Highly Diverse Culture in a Military Unit Within the U.S. Armed Forces: Promoting Diversity and Inclusivity
Get PDFThe problem addressed was the potential lack of diverse leadership in a highly diverse culture within a military unit in the U.S. Armed Forces. Despite a demographic variety among service members, leadership roles remain primarily dominated by the majority, white males. I explored systemic barriers to leadership diversity, including implicit biases, traditional selection practices, and limited mentorship opportunities for diverse service members. The research included a sample of 30 leaders as the primary population and 30 survey responses from junior service members for triangulation purposes. A flexible, single-case study design was chosen to explore this issue thoroughly. Key findings revealed multiple interrelated factors that inhibit leadership diversity. First, implicit biases in the promotion process were identified, with leaders often selecting candidates who fit traditional leadership profiles, leading to a cycle of homogeneity in leadership ranks. Second, findings revealed a lack of structured mentorship for minority and female service members, which limited their access to critical guidance and career development opportunities. Additionally, some diverse service members decided on support or logistics roles, prioritizing their perceived civilian marketability, thus narrowing the pool of diverse candidates available for leadership roles. Based on these findings, I recommended several actionable strategies to foster an inclusive and representative leadership model
The Ties That Bind: A Comprehensive Pastoral Counseling Approach to Bridge the Gap Between Christians Struggling with Same-Sex Attraction and Cornerstone Church
Get PDFThis dissertation project explores the need for a faith-based counseling program that aligns with biblical principles while fostering inclusivity and support for Christians experiencing same-sex attraction (SSA). The study addresses the challenges faced by individuals in the church community who often encounter isolation, shame, and rejection. It proposes a comprehensive pastoral counseling program to train church leaders in providing compassionate, transformative care. This project employs qualitative research methods, including focus groups and individual interviews, to gather insights from church leaders and members. It analyzes theological, psychological, and pastoral perspectives to build a robust spiritual and emotional support framework. The research emphasizes the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, the importance of building nonjudgmental relationships, and the role of scripture in guiding pastoral care. The proposed program aims to equip pastors with the skills to address SSA issues with empathy and theological integrity, promoting spiritual renewal and unity within the church. By fostering a culture of hope and inclusion, the initiative seeks to bridge relational gaps, reduce stigma, and encourage church members to view the church as a sanctuary of healing and transformation. This dissertation contributes to pastoral counseling by providing a practical, biblically grounded approach to supporting individuals with SSA and their families, enhancing the church’s capacity for holistic ministry. Furthermore, information obtained from focus group discussions, interviews, and questionnaires is essential in determining the components for a counseling program that equips leaders and fulfills the ministry needs of a diverse congregation, including people with SSA
Ethnic Identity and Acculturation: Mental Health Perceptions and Help-Seeking Behaviors of College-Age Students with Sikh Punjabi Immigrant Parents
Get PDFThe purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the experiences of college-age children of Sikh Punjabi immigrant parents who were considering mental health treatment in Pennsylvania. The theory guiding this study was ethnic identity theory, which was developed by Jean Phinney. There were four research questions addressed: (a) How do college-age children of Sikh Punjabi immigrant parents describe their experiences when considering mental health treatment in Pennsylvania? (b) How do participants describe the impact of their parents’ perceptions regarding mental health when contemplating seeking mental health treatment? (c) How do participants describe their experiences discussing mental health–related topics with their families, and how does their ethnic identity as Sikh Punjabi individuals influence these discussions? and (d) How do participants describe the impact of sources outside of their families when considering mental health treatment? Semi structured interviews were conducted through the virtual platform Microsoft Teams with 10 participants, and common themes were derived from the data. The researcher completed data analysis using Dovetail software. Results revealed that Sikh Punjabi immigrant parents had a negative impact on their college-age children’s perceptions of mental health. Seeking mental health treatment carried stigma and shame. The results also revealed that discussions of mental health with families were not common, and outside sources were identified as a bigger support system regarding mental health and treatment
A Quantitative Causal-Comparative Study of the Effect of Differing Levels and Years of Experience on Christian Teachers’ Instructional Differentiation Scores
Get PDFThis quantitative causal-comparative study explores the relationship between teachers’ differentiation scores on the Classroom Practices Surveys for teachers with more than five years or fewer than five years teaching experience among elementary and secondary educators in Christian Schools. The importance of this study lies in understanding the differentiation practices Christian school teachers use in serving their students. This study involved 123 teachers that are employed by Christian schools in various regions in the United States. The Classroom Practices Survey was made available through Facebook and snowballing. Statistical analysis was completed using a Two-Way ANOVA which examined the frequency of differentiation methods used by employment levels and career levels among teachers at Christian schools. Based on the results, the researcher rejected the null hypothesis of no significant difference in the overall teacher differentiation score, as measured by the Classroom Practices Survey, between levels of employment (elementary and secondary) on the Classroom Practices Survey. However, the null hypotheses were accepted for no significant difference in differentiated instructional practices used by career level or the interaction between employment and career level. Thus, the conclusion is made that the use of differentiated instructional strategies has a greater presence at the elementary level in Christian schools than at the secondary level. Recommendations for further research include a more expansive participant number by region, conducting a study with three or more levels of experience, and examination as to the reason why teachers in elementary school settings have a higher overall differentiation score
A Grounded Theory Study of the Second Birth and the Processes of Sanctification in the United States, with Special Attention to Communicating with God
Get PDFThe human experience of Christian sanctification and communicating with the God of the Bible was studied using a Constructivist Grounded Theory. The setting was the United States, a post-truth society with concurrent falling church attendance, diminished Bible reading, and deteriorating social discourse. Fifteen participants met the inclusionary criteria of a second birth experience over one year prior and over 18 years old. Research questions focused on facilitators and inhibitors of sanctification processes, how the participants perceived God communicated with them, and their resultant actions. Results demonstrated that participants reported that God used multiple communication modalities. Participants felt a great closeness to God, love and caring from Him; He was an ideal Father. Despite those attractive drawings, participants were not fully obedient to Him, did not focus on His kingdom, maintained worldly cognitive patterns, and used less than full truth in their communications and behaviors. Sanctification levels were determined to be less than those of a young spiritual realm adult. Sanctification facilitators could not overcome powerful environmental sanctification inhibitors beyond individual resolution, including deficient local church teaching and training, inadequate pastor and leadership training, and an antiquated biblical hermeneutic that left broad scriptural models undetected. The most serious inhibitor was that participants were unaware of their knowledge limitations. Inhibitors attenuated hearing God speak clearly. Remedial strategies were discussed that may assist in repairing deteriorating societal social discourse. Keywords: Bible, biblical, sanctification, inhibitors, facilitators, God, speaking, communicating, human, response, responsiveness, societal, discours
Arctic Militarization: How the United States Developed the Arctic at the Cold War’s Beginning, 1945-1965
Get PDFAt the Cold War’s start, the United States conducted a robust Arctic militarization policy for North American defense against the Soviet Union. U.S. officials feared an Arctic invasion or an over-the-North-Pole attack. The Arctic policies created Alaskan statehood, the distant early warning (DEW) line radar stations, Greenland military installations, failed Arctic diplomacy, the International Geophysical Year of 1957-1958 (IGY), and Arctic military activities. In 1945, the United States started its Arctic militarization programs as its international relationship with the Soviet Union deteriorated. First, Alaska transitioned from a U.S. territory to a state, which federal money entered Alaska for national defense. Second, the United States wanted a detection system to monitor the Arctic skies for Soviet airplanes flying towards Canadian or U.S. cities for an attack and needed an agreement with the United States and Canada for the construction and operation of the DEW line. Third, the U.S. Armed Forces required military installations in Greenland to counter the Soviet Armed Forces, which a Danish agreement settled the construction and operation of the bases. Fourth, the United States negotiated proposals with the Soviet Union to lower international tensions. With diplomatic failures, the United States kept with its Arctic militarization programs. Fifth, the United States wanted an understanding about the globe and committed to the IGY for Arctic knowledge. Sixth, the U.S. Armed Forces started different Arctic military exercises to deter a possible Soviet Arctic invasion. The U.S. Cold War Arctic policy stopped Soviet aggression against North America
The Correlation of Intergenerational Faith on Black Families
Get PDFParent-child relationships play a significant role in predicting human behavior during childhood development. As more individuals become religiously unaffiliated, this research explored the factors contributing to this reality. Many studies have highlighted the correlation of parents on behavior; however, few have examined the intergenerational closeness and religiosity within Black families in America. The primary goal of this study was to assess the correlation of parent-child closeness on intrinsic religiosity among Black families. The research asked the following question: Does parent-child closeness positively correlate with intrinsic religiosity among adult Black children? The sample consisted of 73 Black adults aged 18 years and older from a non-denominational church in the Central New Jersey area. A quantitative survey study was conducted using simple regression methodology. The survey included two instruments that measured both father-child and mother-child closeness and intrinsic religiosity as a motivational factor in daily living. SPSS Statistics 30 was used for data analysis. The results revealed no significant correlation between parent-child closeness and intrinsic religiosity among Black adult children. However, the participants reported high levels of intrinsic religiosity. The implications of these findings suggest that parent-child closeness was not related to religiosity in Black adults. Nevertheless, religious socialization may enhance intrinsic religiosity among adult Black children. Future researchers should investigate the correlation of religious socialization on intrinsic religiosity
Exploring Phonics Instruction and Strategies in Emerging Literacy: A Phenomenological Inquiry into Effective Early Literacy Interventions
Get PDFThis transcendental phenomenological study examines the experiences of public-school kindergarten teachers in Pennsylvania who implement grouped phonics instruction to support early literacy development. Grounded in Vygotsky\u27s sociocultural theory, the research focuses on educators’ instructional strategies, challenges, and collaborative practices in fostering reading skills. The central research question asks, “What are the experiences of kindergarten teachers using grouped phonics education methods?” Through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with 10 teachers averaging 20.2 years of experience, the study identifies key themes in phonics instruction. Findings show the widespread use of structured programs such as Heggerty (used by 80% of participants) and the integration of multisensory activities like manipulatives, songs, games, and technology to enhance engagement. Teachers highlighted the critical role of small group instruction in addressing diverse student learning levels, noting that variability in students’ preparedness upon entering kindergarten presents the greatest challenge. This challenge is heightened by limited support staff, with only 50% of schools providing additional instructional aids. Participants described collaboration with parents through activities, literacy nights, and conferences as positive influences for reinforcing phonics learning at home. Classroom environments included resources such as sound and word walls, reading centers, and interactive materials to support continuous concept reinforcement. Despite the challenges, teachers expressed that witnessing students’ success in phonics is the most rewarding aspect of their work, recognizing its pivotal role in enabling academic growth across subjects. This study enhances understanding of research-based strategies for early literacy development