Carolyn Wilson Digital Collections (Lipscomb Univ.)
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Gathered Together: The Impact of In-Person Experiences in a Virtual Age
Get PDFThis February 2024 Doctor of Ministry project thesis at Lipscomb University analyzes how following the height of a global health pandemic which required that individuals quarantine, in-person attendance at West Harpeth Church worship services has not reached the pre-pandemic level. The goal of this project was to enhance West Harpeth members’ theological understanding of the importance of in-person corporate gatherings as compared to virtual gatherings. The key research question was: Can awareness of the value of in-person corporate gatherings at West Harpeth, in comparison to virtual gatherings, be raised among members by them engaging in theological reflection? Related questions were: What are the benefits of inperson gatherings and of virtual gatherings? What would be lost if the church existed only virtually—if we never gathered in-person?
The general literature review provides information on virtual and in-person experiences in the virtual classroom and online dating, along with considerations of anthropological and psychological dimensions of human existence. The literature validated how in-person interactions are typically more valuable than solely virtual interactions. The biblical-theological literature review provided explanations of incarnation, ecclesia, and eschatology. God’s choice to incarnate as a means of salvation, the communal being and actions of the Acts church, and the eschatological hope of redeemed bodies all point to the value and divine intent of embodiment. Other modes that reach others to the furthest extent possible can come alongside embodied activity.
To assess the potential change in awareness of in-person benefits, a survey was given to West Harpeth attendees before and after a six-week Bible study that allowed for theological reflection on the value of in-person corporate church gatherings. Theological reflection did not raise the majority of participants’ awareness of the value of in-person engagements, so theological and ecclesiological implications were highlighted as a means for West Harpeth to effectively move forward and minimize losses associated with non-ideal modes of engagement
Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Gap Between Specialized and General School Systems
Get PDFFunctionality, communication, socialization, and the ability to have some degree of independence are common attributes that many may not take the time to consider. However, for individuals who are autistic, these attributes are critical to forming secure relationships and successfully adapting across the lifespan. The two primary care systems paramount in supporting and nurturing social competence for children include general and specialized school systems. General school systems may not always have a well-developed understanding or awareness around a particular diagnosis or developmental disability; however, they may have a holistic special education program. Specialized schools often have access to trained professionals along with unique curriculums focused on how to effectively teach and engage individuals on the autism spectrum. Currently, a gap exists in the transition from the specialized programs to the general education model for many autistic children. This research examines the gap in knowledge between specialized programs for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and general school systems. An overview of the scholarly literature is presented including best practices for individuals with ASD related to holistic services, emotional regulation, and sensory processing. To provide support within the knowledge gap, educational training is proposed to increase awareness around the complex needs of children with ASD, along with tangible strategies to promote safety and support students within the classroom environment
Disrupting the School-to-Prison Pipeline: The Development of Strong, Stable Relationships
Get PDFThe “school-to-prison pipeline” is a disturbing national trend where school policies and practices unjustly funnel children—namely children who are Black and Brown and/or have disabilities—into the Juvenile Justice system. Students of color are far more likely to be suspended, expelled, or arrested for the same kind of behavior as their white peers, and youth with disabilities are acutely affected by schools who ignore due process protections. Such students would benefit from extra supports and resources but instead face zero-tolerance policies, exclusionary discipline, and unreasonable difficulties with re-entry into school. The following research presents a review of current literature as it relates to the risk and protective factors for juvenile delinquency, as well as an analysis of mentorship as an evidence-based intervention. The Risk and Protective Factor Framework developed by Community Coalition for Healthy Youth informs the proposed intervention and provides a holistic approach for addressing adolescent delinquency. This poster explores why certain youth are punished, penalized, and incarcerated at a drastically higher rate than their counterparts and presents a detailed design for a school-based mentorship program aimed at promoting the development of strong, stable relationships between school adults and students to disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline
Racial Bias and Death Penalty Cases: A SOAR analysis of Post-Conviction
Get PDFRacial discrimination is a far-reaching issue that adversely impacts individuals, groups, and communities across multiple domains. It is defined by the Equality and Human Rights Commission as being treated differently because of one’s race. For decades, discriminatory policies have been codified into institutional processes which disadvantage people of color. This is particularly evident in the criminal justice system. Examples of practices that disproportionately impact intentionally marginalized populations include issues of excess force and police brutality, sentencing disparities for minor offenses or drug charges, and state sanctioned capital punishment. While these forms of discrimination are often labeled as explicit and overt from the public’s perspective, more insidious forms of racism are ubiquitous and deeply embedded in society and throughout the criminal justice system. These forms include micro aggressions and implicit biases which are rooted in prejudice and socially constructed stereotypes. For individuals sentenced to death, racial discrimination can cause a disturbingly unjust reality. Current sentences show that black males are 68.2 percent more likely to receive harsher sentences than a white male of the same age and crime committed. This disproportionate rate of higher sentencing is a small portion of how minoritized populations are at a disadvantage within the justice system. This poster analyzes current literature that surrounds the foundation of sentencing discrimination, presents a SOAR analysis of the Tennessee Office of the Post-Conviction Defender, and includes recommendations to eliminate the root causes of racial injustice within capital punishment sentencing
Effects of Withania somnifera on Zebrafish
Get PDFWithania somnifera (commonly known as Ashwagandha), is a plant in which its root powder is sold as a dietary supplement. It is being commonly used as an anti-anxiety supplement to combat stress. While the sale of Withania somnifera is widely accessible and available throughout the U.S., it is concerning that a number of teens and young adults are taking this supplement without consulting a physician. Previous studies and claims conclude that Withania somnifera has both neuroprotective and antiinflammatory properties in human neuronal cells. We have chosen to test Withania somnifera’s effects on early embryonic development using Danio rerio, zebrafish, as a model of early neural development. We will specifically examine apoptosis, growth rate, behavioral abnormalities, and/or embryonic lethality. Phenotypic traits and effects will also be noted as observed
Emerging from the Pandemic as a Community of Faith: Assessing How the Life and Faith of Woodland West Church of Christ Has Been Shaped by the Pandemic and by God Through This Experience
Get PDFThis April 2023 Doctor of Ministry project thesis at Lipscomb University is a qualitative study that aims to explore and assess how the COVID-19 pandemic experience has shaped the life and faith of Woodland West Church of Christ and its members. Specifically, the study aims to explore how members of this local congregation sensed the pandemic experience shaped their faith as described in James 1:2-4. How have members sensed God at work in all this as described in Romans 8:28? How has it shaped their fears and hopes for the future? And has the pandemic shaped us in such a way as to motivate and move us to join God in pursuing renewal in our world and to rebuild what has been lost? It is hoped that one outcome of this project will be to inform our way forward as a congregation.
Members of Woodland West were invited to answer seven open-ended questions in an interactive congregational experience called a Day of Discovery, Hope and Renewal. The collective responses were reviewed and analyzed by six members of the congregation—three staff members and three regular members—in a collaborative effort to discern, understand, and explain the various beliefs and attitudes expressed by the members