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Christian models of Counselling: Just a Secular Model?
No full textThe question of counselling methodology is a significant area of discussion amongst Christian Counsellors. By definition, the notion of Christian Counselling assumes differentiation from secular concepts of Counselling. Certainly, the Christian assumption of salvation and sanctification in Christ, and the work of the Holy Spirit, are compelling and unique characteristics likely to affect, prima facie, the way in which counselling is approached. Various attempts have been made to define just what the differences between Christian and non-Christian counselling are, ranging from the Counsellor himself having distinguishing personal qualities, through to an assumption that unlike other methods of dealing with individuals, Christian Counselling deals with man in his totality... spiritually, mentally, physically, and emotionally. \ud
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Irrespective of methodology employed, it is reasonable to assume that for the Christian, the Holy Spirit is able to provide anointing power through an imparting of gifts and ministry direction. However, it would be folly to ignore the benefits able to be derived from psychological techniques which after all provide the foundation for all Counselling models - Christian or otherwise.\ud
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Nonetheless, in the service of the Lord, it is suggested that our horizons in God’s service ought not to be measured by our limited human capacities but by the abundant measure of the Holy Spirit's provision. The writer concludes that this is not to say, however, that we ought not to use and exploit fully our natural and learned abilities which in any event are God-given. This is entirely consistent with incorporating secular counselling skills including such things as listening, observing, influencing and conducting a well structured interview – bringing to order the "250 theories or more" of counselling that is suggested competes for our attention
Holding and opportunity cost theory in a property development context
No full textThis paper focuses on the varying approaches and methodologies adopted when the calculation of holding costs is undertaken, focusing on greenfield development. Whilst acknowledging there may be some consistency in embracing first principles relating to holding cost theory, a review of the literature reveals considerable lack of uniformity in this regard. There is even less clarity in quantitative determination, especially in Australia where there has been only limited empirical analysis undertaken. Despite a growing quantum of research undertaken in relation to various elements connected with housing affordability, the matter of holding costs has not been well addressed regardless of its part in the highly prioritised Australian Government’s housing research agenda. The end result has been a modicum of qualitative commentary relating to holding costs. There have been few attempts at finer-tuned analysis that exposes a quantified level of holding cost calculated with underlying rigour. Holding costs can take many forms, but they inevitably involve the computation of “carrying costs” of an initial outlay that has yet to fully realise its ultimate yield. Although sometimes considered a “hidden” cost, it is submitted that holding costs prospectively represent a major determinate of value. If this is the case, then considered in the context of housing affordability, it is therefore potentially pervasive
Perspectives on Suffering Evident in the Old Testament
No full textThe instance of suffering in the Old Testament commences almost immediately, beginning in the book of Genesis. Chapter 3 records the fall of man where as a consequence, God inflicts his judgement on humankind, including the pain of childbirth onto women, with man required by "painful toil" to work hard "by the sweat of your brow" in order to produce the food required to sustain life. From this point, suffering in its various facets permeates throughout sweeping sagas in almost the whole of Old Testament history.\ud
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In some cases, entire OT books, or significant parts of books, are almost solely devoted to, comment on, or are otherwise concerned or connected with, the subject. Outstanding examples of this include Job (the subject whose book bears his name, whom endures suffering almost without end), various Psalms (e.g. Psalm 22 where a plea is given by the psalmist for deliverance from suffering and hostility, or Psalm 38 where King David petitions for rescue from severe suffering and sin), and the poetry of Lamentations, which provides a theological understanding of the meaning of divine retribution and the suffering which follows.\ud
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However it would be wrong to assume that it is only the suffering of man that gets consideration. For example, the so-called "Suffering Servant" found in Isaiah 52:13-53:12 - often referred to as the "gospel in the Old Testament" - deals with the coming Messiah (Jesus): God's "man of sorrows... familiar with suffering" whom was "despised and rejected by men" .\ud
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Thus it may be seen that the suffering of both man, and God, are given treatment in Old Testament scripture
The Christian Faith and its Relevance to Counselling - Attempts at "Integration"
No full textCounselling, and its more intense process counterpart (psychotherapy) is concerned with helping people cope with normal problems and opportunities, and at the extreme end focuses on behavioural difficulties or deep seated personalities. The Christian faith implies involvement of Christian Counselling which deals with man spiritually, mentally, physically, and emotionally. Biblical Counselling - sometimes used interchangeably with "Christian Counselling" is that "which flows from a Biblical view of revelation, God, man, sin, and sanctification.", sometimes expressed as the God-ordained system of progressive sanctification. Within the general gambit of Christian Counselling, there are different approaches or techniques, however the distinction between "Christian" and "Biblical" counselling can often be quite fine. \ud
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Nouthetic Counselling goes further by totally rejecting the need for secular psychiatrists – often touted as being "Christ centered" using the authority of God. Psychoheresy is a related term to describe a so-called "problem" of mixed up secular psychological counselling ideas and concepts with the teachings of the Bible, where the main teachings of psychology often contradict or compromise the teachings of Scripture. Theophostic Ministry - arguably a derivative of the nouthetic concept is a relatively new technique of "prayer for emotional healing", whereby the Lord’s healing presence is invoked to deal with unresolved past traumas. Jesus that replaces the lies resulting from such past traumas with His truth.\ud
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Integration, in a counselling context, describes the relationship between psychology, and theology. \ud
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At one extreme, there is no integration with a blanket opposition to the integration of humanistic philosophies and all psychiatric-psychotherapeutic treatment regimes with Christian counselling and teaching. Some practitioners actually question whether there is even any legitimate place for the psychiatrist at all. The psychoheresy doctrine is closely promoted by such people, suggesting "it distracts believers, dilutes Scripture, dishonours God, develops the flesh, and debilitates spiritual growth" \ud
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The more orthodox methodology offered by most Christian organisations is a balanced integration of theology, psychology and spirituality. However, whilst some modern practitioners or scholars claim "Godly revelation concerning integration", most are able to merely state their commitment to integration.\ud
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Integration ultimately involves bringing God’s truth from all areas of His creation, both special and natural revelation, to bear on the therapeutic endeavour. The writer’s contention is that there is no fundamental incompatibility between the truth of the Bible and accurate, observable truth about man. Nonetheless, integration should always be based on the thorough study and interpretation of the Scriptures and the human condition, in order to equip us to apply truth. Whilst the Bible is the ultimate authority, both disciplines retain their own distinct identities and offer complete compatibility.\ud
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This is not to say that Christian Counselling professionals provide (or even attempt to provide) "genuine" Christian counselling care. Studies conducted appear to suggest a low rate of involvement here..\ud
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Nonetheless, the integration of both psychology and theology represents the very best that mankind, in all his imperfection, can offer
God Has Revealed Himself Definitively and Finally in Jesus Christ - An Arrogant & Offensive Claim?
No full textTo many people, claiming exclusivity with the suggestion that God’s revelation is definitively made through Jesus Christ, constitutes the "ultimate offence". Various religions have even sought to unify their theology with Christianity on the basis of examining parallels of their religion with the common thread of Christian values and behaviour. However, the situation inevitably falls apart when the prospect of an exclusive saviour, through Jesus Christ, is proposed. The vital questions usually centre around the proposition, not whether Jesus lived, but who He was. What was the purpose of Jesus’ life? How can he be God, yet fully human? How does all this relate to salvation?\ud
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Even orthodox Christian views on the deity of Jesus has come under fire, even since the days of the early Church. Various Gnostic teachings that seek to remove Jesus' humanity, or his divinity, or both, have plagued the Church since the first century. In an effort to combat this, theological understanding has been expressed by the development of statements of faith, or creeds, some of which have been in use for nearly two thousand years (e.g. the Apostles Creed, and the Nicene Creed). They seek to succinctly express one's confession of faith, upholding what is seen to be the essential and non-negotiable Christian doctrines.\ud
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The biblical Christian holds that God has revealed Himself in very personal way, even to the extent of his divine personality, to humankind. Aside from evidence made manifest via the apparent plan and design of creation itself, this has also been achieved through Holy Scriptures - the Bible. This implication that God is keen to develop a close and personal relationship to us as individuals is profoundly and further demonstrated in Jesus, who came to earth as a man yet still fully God. That Christ came to us in this way is the ultimate revelation of God as being someone who wants us to know Him in a more intimate way. Most of all, it demonstrates the vast love that God has for us, his children, since this act provides the means for the rescue and salvation of humankind. \ud
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The finality of God’s revelation must surely, therefore, be found in Jesus, whom, through his redemptive act, provides the means for the liberation of humans. We are not left - as humanists would have it - to save ourselves. Through Christ we are given a key that opens the doors to both heaven and earth.\ud
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However, a slight irony exists in that the revelation in one sense is not yet fully complete. The revelation that occurred with Jesus on the cross and His subsequent resurrection, still awaits the revelation of the glory and salvation of God at the parousia (second coming) of Christ. It is only at that time will the revelation of God be fully complet
Evolution of the English Reformation: Phase I (Henry VIII)and Phase 2 (Elizabeth I)
No full textThe English Reformation, unlike that of the Continent, was initially brought about not so much by religious fervour for change, but more a matter of political expediency. Commencing at the time of The Submission of the Clergy in 1532 - a document establishing the authority of King Henry VIII over the English clergy – the Reformation proceeded to cut off not only the money supply to Rome, but to effectively remove any authority held by the Pope over English Bishops (and the King).\ud
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The rejection of the Roman headship culminated in 1534 when Henry VIII was declared Supreme Head of the Church of England, legislation which was quickly confirmed by the formal rejection of Papal supremacy by the church establishment. \ud
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It is proposed that Henry VIII's actions in all of this were not religiously motivated. His unwanted marriage to Catherine of Argon, apparently the result of her inability to produce him a heir (son), and a desire to marry Anne Boleyn, lie at the root of the breach with Rome. The supreme headship on earth over the Church of England was a mechanism by which Henry VIII could work his way around the Pope’s refusal to grant him a divorce from Catherine. Thus, Reformation in England could solve a royal problem. It was not a theological matter. Of course, the other by-product, almost certainly not lost on the King, was a re-directing of the church's funds to the state, that would have otherwise have found its way to Rome.\ud
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There were other far-reaching consequences of these events that affected the church even until the current day, representing the beginnings of Anglicanism . However, one of the more immediate consequences was the welding together of church and state – a phenomenon that would remain for a very long time to come .\ud
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Despite a relatively short interruption to the flow of the Reformation, being the sovereignty of Edward VII (1547-53) and Mary I (1553-58), the general thrust established by Henry VIII continued with the reign of his daughter to Anne Boleyn; Elizabeth I (1558 – 1603). Thus begins the second phase.\ud
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Elizabeth I re-instituted much of the reforming legislation and decrees established by Henry VIII, albeit much in a revised form. The interruption by her immediate predecessor ultimately represented only a temporary slowing down of the whole Reforming process. \ud
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Despite the political overtones, theses events permitted the beginnings of religious reform. Even initially draconian measures such as legislation enforcing "spiritual procedure" and accompanying Book of Common Prayer instituted by Elizabeth I - and despite resistance by the church itself - had the ultimate benefit of allowing for the liturgical process to be practiced in English. Whilst for the time being there was an increasing concentration and consolidation of power vested in the state, the unstoppable establishment of Presbyterianism had begun
Strategic Management Plan for the Development of the\ud Barcaldine Aridland Botanical Garden
No full textThis Strategic Management Plan sets out, inter alia, the Final Report containing a strategic analysis for the proposed development of an Aridland Botanical Garden to be established in the vicinity of Barcaldine, central-western Queensland. The Gardens will also be in an excellent position to develop an export trade for the sale of propagated rare species. It represents an excellent opportunity to be developed as a "Solar Power Demonstration Site". The location of the Gardens, particularly having consideration of the relatively long average day lengths and the number of sunny days each year, augurs very well for the harnessing of power by way of solar collection. The site could be very effectively marketed as a leading example of solar power generation. Whilst planned capital development expenditure has included the full cost of such infrastructure, it might be reasonably anticipated that this aspect could be the subject of corporate or government sponsorship
Pre-Feasibility Study for the Establishment of a Solid Waste Recycling Plant
No full textThis Pre-feasibility Study Final Report sets out, inter alia, an assessment of the proposed establishment of a recycling plant to be carried out in the vicinity of Caboolture Shire, south-east Queensland. The capital required to fund the Project is 16m) is derived from investors, and the balance (18m, and a further 34.60 per tonne (assuming 100% equity / investor) funding. The Project will take approximately four years (from the commencement of the commercialisation stage) to achieve annual profitability
Economic impact assessment of locating forestry plantations on good quality agricultural land
No full textThis report is designed to provide an assessment of the likely economic impact of plantation forestry operations as a result of undertaking a number of “high value” hardwood timber projects in high rainfall areas far north Queensland – in particular, Tully and surrounding regions. Attention has been focussed on the impact of locating forestry plantations on “good quality agricultural land”: it informs the Further Information Request for Development Application No 087/08 (Material Change of Use) requested by Cassowary Coast Regional Council, in reference to “the impact on the local economy of removing the property which is classed as Good Quality Agricultural Land from the production of food products for a period up to 20 years”.\ud
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This report accompanies Development Applications lodged for a material change of use for a forestry application over properties located at Stamp Road, Tully (“Stamp Road Tree Farm” - 1,063 ha being Lot 122 on SP 125442), Bruce Highway, Murrigal (“Murringal Tree Farm” – 761.3 ha being Lot 120 on CWL3059), off Bruce Highway, Tully (“Trost Tree Farm” – 40.4 ha Lot 1 on SP136934), and Upper Murray Road Tully (“Saini Bhella Tree Farm” - 250 ha being Lot 3 on RP800579, Lot 2 on RP742041, Lot 1 on RP748825 and Lot 69 on CWL546)\u
Attitudes to Sacrifice in the Old Testament: Accounting for the Difference
No full textThroughout the Old Testament the concept of sacrifice is explored and carried out in various ways. Not always a Godly offering (i.e. sometimes the OT contains details or records of pagan rites), the act of sacrifice is undertaken with attitudes as varied as the acts themselves.\ud
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The attitudes expressed range from one of worship, rejoicing and thankfulness (a predominant feature of many sacrifices to the Lord God), to anger, extreme actions or disdain. The range of attitudes may be readily appreciated by considering the context. For example, consider the gratitude of the Israelites when God saved their firstborn, simply by sacrificing an animal whose blood was strategically placed around their house (the "Passover"). This contrasts sharply with the Canaanites sacrifices to pagan gods which included such things as child-sacrifice, witchcraft and sorcery.\ud
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The act of sacrifice, in a biblical or spiritual context, involves the offering of valued possessions to a god (and in so doing probably making them holy) – it is usually conducted as an act of worship or adoration. Commentators such as Beckwith suggest that sacrifice has a crucial role in maintaining order and restoring the equilibrium when that order is disturbed, whilst others such as Eiuchrodt observe that sacrifice is essentially a symbolic practice which can change in meaning even while their form remains the same. Whatever the definition or meaning, as it might apply in the OT context, we can be certain that for the New Testament man the advent of Christ and his sacrifice acts to supersede all other sacrifices
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