Psychology

All That Lives Must Die
First Things, May 1996
If death is inevitable, then grief is unavoidable. In this sweeping essay, the author considers various philosophical bents behind different approaches to consolation for the grieving.
Answer to the Problem
Charles Slack, Ph.D.
Explores the story of Sam F., a recovered drug-addict. Professional drug counselors do not really take to Sam because he did not get clean in a professional program. Sam got clean in a twelve-step fellowship that is totally non-professional and self-supporting through its own contributions.
Anxious for Nothing
Rusty Wright
This article considers two definitions and then examine four main causes of anxiety.
Bem's Theory of Sexual Orientation: Implications for Treatment and Prevention
Summarizes Bem's theory, and examine some of its implications to the issues surrounding the treatment and prevention of homosexuality.
A Bible Fit for Children
First Things, May 1997
Do children represent idealized innocence or the self-gratifying, sinful state of humanity? The author considers both possibilities as he traces the development of thought on this matter.
The Bible and Psychology
John H. Stoll, Ph.D.
The study of psychology deals with the mind, its senses and human behavior. Since our mind controls our behavior and our behavior influences and is influenced in many ways, it becomes a challenging study. The Bible is not a textbook on psychology, rather it is a text on God and His relationship to mankind, whom He has created. In this context, there is much stated in the Bible on human behavior.
Can those identifying themselves as homosexual experience change?
A response to an email message was received from "AC" that challenges the notion that people who identify themselves as homosexual can experience real change in their personal lives.
Choices and Choices
John H. Stoll, Ph.D. (Executive Director, ASK, Inc.)
As human beings we make many choices everyday, little ones and big ones, some with immediate consequences, others with far reaching ones, some with little effect, some with life long lasting results. Upon what basis do we make these choices, and how does this foundation affect that which we choose? It is important to seriously consider one's worldview, since it has a major impact on the choices one makes.
Christian Psychology: Is Something Missing?
Rich Milne
Psychology is rapidly becoming a pervasive influence in many facets of contemporary society, including the church. This essay explores a few aspects of Christian psychology, particularly in the context of Larry Crabb's book, Connecting, exploring the role of community in the development of a mature faith for Christians.
Christianity: The True Humanism
This article shows how Christianity provides for the full development of man, an idea which runs counter to the teaching of secular humanism.
Christmas On Mars Hill: Incarnational lifestyles in today's culture
Peter Hiett
No abstract available for this article
The Conscious Mind: In Search of a Fundamental Theory (Book Review)
First Things, November 1997
For years, physicists did little to connect the mind with physical reality. In "The Conscious Mind: In Search of a Fundamental Theory," author David Chalmers admits this while still embracing a pure materialistic view. Reviewed by Stephen M. Barr.
The Craft of Acting, the Art of Acting and Their Relationship to the World of the Work
Jeff Taylor
The 41 page paper explores the essence of acting and its relationship to God, Satan, communication, and dramatic art. The relationships which are discussed provide some general principles which are freeing for the Christian who is an dramatic artist, while providing a basis on which the artist can grow in discernment and accountability.
Curiosity: Answering the Knock of Relationship
Liam Atchison
Curiosity without relationship is voyeurism. With relationship, it is presence-in-the-moment, meaningful engagement with another. This latter form is standard battle gear for the fearless warrior who would do battle for souls.
Darwin's Dirty Secret
Nancy Pearcey
One of the hottest topics among evolutionary biologists today is what evolution means for morality. This is precisely the question asked by a new field called "evolutionary psychology" (a newer version of what used to be called "sociobiology")--and it turns out that the implications for morality are sometimes nothing less than shocking. In this March 13, 2000 World Magazine article Pearcey discusses what one proponent of evolutionary psychology says about the evolution of rape.
Death and Dying
Leadership University Special Focus
The passing of Princess Diana has spread a terrible sense of grief, both individual and collective, the world over. Such tragic events give us pause to consider our own mortality and that of our loved ones. Life itself anticipates death. Where does one find consolation and hope in this short life? We have put together a special focus on these issues.
Drug Abuse
Kerby Anderson
Examines drug abuse among teenagers. Discusses types of drugs and provides a biblical analysis. Also talks about how to keep kids off drugs and what to do if they are on drugs.
Efforts to Silence NARTH Continue
NARTH's Dr. Joseph Nicolosi documents efforts among professional organizations in the healing professions to isolate and silence NARTH.
Elvis is Dead (Deal with it)
Rusty Wright
Elvis Presley is dead. Twenty years after his death, our culture is still fascinated with the raven-haired, swivel-hipped entertainer. His songs fill the airwaves. His face graces postage stamps and velvet paintings in the U.S. and abroad. Thousands of the faithful annually trek to Graceland, his Memphis home, to pay homage to the king of rock and roll. But Elvis is dead. Chances are, you might have hints that some of the "Elvises" in your life really have little or nothing lasting to offer. But Jesus is alive. Care to meet Him?
The Empty Self
Christian philosopher Dr. J.P. Moreland claims that Christians are not experiencing spiritual maturity because they are victims of something he calls the Empty-Self Syndrome. This article examines his analysis and offers ways for Christians to avoid its influence.
False Guilt
Kerby Anderson
Describes how people with an overactive conscience develop false guilt. Contrasts false guilt with true guilt and provides a biblical solution.
Fetal Psychology
Janet L. Hopson
Behaviorally speaking, there's little difference between a newborn baby and a 32-week-old fetus. A new wave of research suggests that the fetus can feel, dream, even enjoy "The Cat in the Hat." The abortion debate may never be the same. This article explores fetal alertness, fetal movement, fetal taste, fetal hearing, fetal vision, fetal learning, and fetal personality.
The Forgotten Factor in Physical and Mental Health
An Independent Study Seminar
"The Forgotten Factor in Physical and Mental Health: What Does the Research Show?" is an independent study seminar for professionals and graduate students in medicine, social work, psychology and pastoral counseling or for any other persons interested in factors affecting health. The seven study modules and accompanying group discussion guide lead participants through research studies from the scientific literature to examine findings which may be highly relevant to the prevention and treatment of illness. The seminar focuses on the role of religious commitment and its impact on physical and mental health: Is it a help, or is it a hindrance? These findings are compared to what is often taught in graduate programs. This seminar is an invaluable tool for becoming familiar with up-to-date quantified research documenting the physical and mental health benefits of Judeo-Christian beliefs and practices.
The Forgotten Factor in Physical and Mental Health
Module 1: Charting the Religious Gap
"The Forgotten Factor in Physical and Mental Health: What Does the Research Show?" is an independent study seminar for professionals and graduate students in medicine, social work, psychology and pastoral counseling or for any other persons interested in factors affecting health. Module 1 charts the religious commitment gap. You will be able to recognize the pervasive and central influence of religious commitment in the lives of many patients and begin to examine how it may be relevant in treatment and therapy.
Gambling
Kerby Anderson
Discusses forms of gambling and looks at social and economic costs to legalized gambling. Provides a biblical perspective on gambling.
Gay "Marriage"?
Anton N. Marco
In mid-December, 1990, three homosexual couples simultaneously applied for marriage licenses in the State of Hawaii. Their action was not unprecedented (gay couples elsewhere have made the same request), but the outcome was. While all other previous same-sex couples have had to settle for blunt State refusals of such requests, or in gay-friendly cities like San Francisco, for so-called "domestic partnership" registration, the Hawaii Six have been able to leap several legal hurdles. They may, after an autumn 1996 trial, become the first same-sex couples in the United States to be joined in legal civil marriage.
The Gay Gene?
Dr. Jeffrey B. Satinover, M.D.
On July 15, 1993, National Public Radio (NPR) made a dramatic announcement on stations across the country: Was a team of scientists at the National Institutes of Health on the trail of a gene that causes homosexuality? Their report would be published the next day in Science, one of the two most prestigious scientific research journals in the world. In order to understand what is really going on, Dr. Satinover explains some little- known features of the emerging study of behavioral genetics.
The Gay Youth Suicide Myth
Peter LaBarbera
The rate of suicide has nearly tripled among young people since 1965. Efforts to discover the root causes of this epidemic of self-inflicted violence must be dispassionate and free of politics. However, homosexual activists have manipulated this national tragedy to promote their political agenda.
Gender Identity Disorder
Dr. George Rekers, Ph.D.
The past three decades have witnessed a well-publicized trend for certain vocal elements in education and the media in American culture to sharply question the legitimacy of many, if not all, sex role distinctions in the socialization of children. Paradoxically, during these same recent decades, two developments emerged in the mental health and behavioral science disciplines. First, a mass of research data accumulated which led to a recognition of the often detrimental effects of father absence on several critical aspects of child development, including normal sex role development and sexual adjustment. Secondly, clinical and research data accumulated to a sufficient degree to enable the mental health professions to officially identify a newly recognized form of psycopathology-"Gender Identity Disorder of Childhood".
The Glory of His Discontent: The Inconsolable Suffering of God
Don Hudson
Christianity, Don Hudson contends, is in its very essence a religion of discontent. After all, closing our eyes to the suffering of this world is to choose to live in an innocence in which God himself does not dwell. Only an intimate knowledge of suffering-which is a loss of innocence-will constrain us to fiercely imagine truth, beauty, and goodness as God did when he confronted the chaos in Genesis 1.
God's Answer
John H. Stoll, Ph.D.
For all the negative things we have to say to ourselves, God has a positive answer for it.
God, Morality and Evil
A Debate between Dr. William Lane Craig and Dr. Kai Nielsen
In February, 1991, Dr. Kai Nielsen and Dr. William Lane Craig debated on the campus of the University of Western Ontario. These scholars discussed God, Morality and Evil, presenting some of the most current thinking on the issues. This is the transcript of that debate.
Habit 1: Be Proactive (Principles of Personal Vision)
Seven Habits Discussion Guide
Dr. Joseph (Rae) Mellichamp, professor emeritus of the University of Alabama, discussion notes for "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People". This chapter discusses Principles of Personal Vision.
Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind (Principles of Personal Leadership)
Seven Habits Discussion Guide
Dr. Joseph (Rae) Mellichamp, professor emeritus of the University of Alabama, discussion notes for "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People". This chapter discusses Principles of Personal Leadership.
Habit 3: Put First Things First (Principles of Personal Management)
Seven Habits Discussion Guide
Dr. Joseph (Rae) Mellichamp, professor emeritus of the University of Alabama, discussion notes for "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People". This chapter discusses Principles of Personal Management.
Habit 4: Think Win/Win (Principles of Interpersonal Leadership)
Seven Habits Discussion Guide
Dr. Joseph (Rae) Mellichamp, professor emeritus of the University of Alabama, discussion notes for "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People". This chapter discusses Principles of Interpersonal Leadership.
Habit 5: Seek First to Understand (Principles of Empathic Communication)
Seven Habits Discussion Guide
Dr. Joseph (Rae) Mellichamp, professor emeritus of the University of Alabama, discussion notes for "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People". This chapter discusses Principles of Empathic Communication.
Habit 6: Synergize (Principles of Creative Communication)
Seven Habits Discussion Guide
Dr. Joseph (Rae) Mellichamp, professor emeritus of the University of Alabama, discussion notes for "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People". This chapter discusses Principles of Creative Communication.
Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw (Principles of Balanced Self-Renewal)
Seven Habits Discussion Guide
Dr. Joseph (Rae) Mellichamp, professor emeritus of the University of Alabama, discussion notes for "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People". This chapter discusses Principles of Balanced Self-Renewal.
Healing Homosexuality: Case Stories of Reparative Therapy
Men who have come out of homosexuality tell their stories in this book by Dr. Joseph Nicolosi, president of the National Association of Research and Therapy of Homosexuality.
The Hidden Hope in Lament
Dan Allender
Silent despair is a treasonous refusal to cry out to God...it leads to death. Laments vocalize our doubts and our anger at God...and in our cry, hope oddly dawns. Dan Allender listens to the sounds of sorrow in African American spirituals and is reminded of the Psalms.
Homosexuality and American Public Life
Book Review
This book discusses medical and scientific issues relating to homosexuality--including causation, treatment, the role of self-deception in creating a gay identity, AIDS exceptionalism, and natural-law arguments against homosexuality.
Homosexuality and the Truth
First Things, March 1997
In 1973, the American Psychiatric Association voted to reverse their classification of homosexulity as a treatable disorder. In this article, Elizabeth Moberly examines several books that offer a sampling of the better scholarship on the subject.
Homosexuality: A Freedom Too Far
Book Excerpt
An excerpt of psychoanalyst Charles Socarides' book, where we listen in on a lively, wryly humorous conversation describing the changes in our culture since the gay-rights movement came to prominence.
How America Went Gay
Dr. Charles Socarides, M.D.
In much of academe and in many secondary school classrooms gays are said to lead a new vanguard, the wave of the future in a world that will be more demographically secure when it has fewer "breeders" (which is what some gay activists call heterosexuals these days). How did this change come about? Well, the revolution did not just happen. It has been orchestrated by a small band of very bright men and women-most of them gays and lesbians-in a cultural campaign.
How Groups Work: Coming Out of a Gay Identity, and Becoming One of the Guys
A clinician explains how group psychotherapy can help break down the barriers that inhibit normal, non-erotic male intimacy in homosexual men. When this has been done, a door has been opened toward change in sexual identity and behavior.
How Might Homosexuality Develop? Putting the Pieces Together
Psychiatrist Jeffrey Satinover offers a developmental scenario which he believes to be fairly typical for gay men...sensitive temperament, alienation from same-sex peers, and a 'mismatch' in relationship with father cause a romantic longing which later is
How Reparative Therapy Works (Chapter 10)
Healing Homosexuality (1993) by Joseph Nicolosi, Ph.D.
Frequently I am asked the question, "How does reparative therapy work?" Like all forms of treatment rooted in psychoanalysis, reparative therapy proceeds from the assumption that some childhood developmental tasks were not completed. The basic premise of reparative therapy is that the majority of clients (approximately 90%, in my experience) suffer from a syndrome of male gender-identity deficit. It is this internal sense of incompleteness in one's own maleness which is the essential foundation for homoerotic attraction.
How State And Local Officials Can Combat Violent Juvenile Crime
James Wootton and Robert O. Heck
Policy statement from The Heritage Foundation (1996) recommending institution of various programs to stem youth violence, particularly SHOCAP. Contains detailed research on youth crime and analysis of why today's juvenile justice system is failing.
In the Case of Bruno Bettelheim
First Things, June/July 1997
Molly Finn reviews two books on the life and career of child psychiatrist Bruno Bettelheim. "Bettelheim: A Life and a Legacy" by Nina Sutton and "The Creation of Dr. B: A Biography of Bruno Bettelheim" by Richard Pollack.
Inside Out: A New Level of Thinking
Seven Habits Discussion Guide
Dr. Joseph (Rae) Mellichamp, professor emeritus of the University of Alabama, discussion notes for "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People". This chapter discusses a new level of thinking.
Inside-Out Again: Final Thoughts
Seven Habits Discussion Guide
Dr. Joseph (Rae) Mellichamp, professor emeritus of the University of Alabama, discussion notes for "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People". This chapter discusses concluding thoughts.
Interview: Jerry Armelli
he director of Prodigal Ministries in Ohio says he was deeply depressed before he realized he could change. He says, 'I thought gay life was my only option, but that thought was death-inducing. So the message that change is possible was not hate speech to
Introduction
Reparative Therapy of Male Homosexuality by Joseph Nicolosi, Ph.D.
Empirical research and clinical evidence demonstrate how the homosexual condition is in many cases the result of incomplete gender-identity development. Consequently it is a condition characterized by erotic but frustrating same-sex relationships.
Is There Meaning in Evil and Suffering?
A Discussion Forum with Dr. Ravi Zacharias, Dr. William Lane Craig, Dr. Bernard Leikind, and Dr. Jitendra Mohanty
On February 11, 1999, Drs. Ravi Zacharias, William Lane Craig, Bernard Leikind, and Jitendra Mohanty, explored the question, "Is there meaning in evil and suffering?" Visit the online RealMedia archive to hear this forum again.
It's All the Rage: Crime and Culture
First Things, October 1996
This article is a book review of "It's All the Rage: Crime and Culture" by Wendy Kaminer. This book delivers a severe crititique of the way in which professional psychology is used in today's courtrooms. J. Daryl Charles provides a sympathetic review
Journal Articles Support the Reparative-Therapy Treatment Option
Mark Yarhouse makes a strong case for the ethics of sexual-reorientation therapy for homosexuality in the journals Psychotherapy and in The American Journal of Family Therapy. Treatment 'affirms the clients' right to dignity, autonomy and agency,' and res
The Journal On Human Sexuality
No abstract available for this article
Killing As Caring
Critical Issues: Volume 1, Issue 1
Richard Rotondi discusses the false charity of euthanasia. Along with the growing acceptance, even welcoming, of euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide, have come increasingly dire warnings about the practice from ethicists and thinkers. The "mercy" offered by euthanasia can only be offered by those who, logically and emotionally, hold to a conception of the human person radically different from that of traditional medicine: the price of accepting euthanasia?s "compassion" is denying that humans have any inherent worth apart from their productivity or utility.
Kinsey and the Homosexual Revolution
Dr. Judith Reisman, Ph.D.
Dr. Alfred C. Kinsey's contention that Americans are 10% to 47%, more or less, homosexual was seized upon by Harry Hay, the father of the homosexual "civil rights" movement, urging that homosexuality be seen no longer as an act of sodomy but as a 10% minority class. Dr. Reisman asks and examines, "But what if all of Kinsey's work was fraudulent, or worse? What if it reflects unethical scientists conducting unprosecuted criminal acts?"
Last Testament
First Things, August/September 1996
In May of 1996, a band of Islamic terrorists killed seven French Trappist monks after holding them hostage for two months. Prior to their captivity, the monastary superior, Father Christian de Cherge, had left this testament with his family, "to be opene
The Littleton Shootings: Looking for the "Why"
Sue Bohlin
Much discussion regarding the schoolhouse shootings at Columbine High in Colorado deal with the how's of what happened. The author goes deeper to discuss the possible why's.
Loving Our Enemies: A Look at Why We Wrongly Love Our Opponents
Dan Allender
It doesn't take much to build a friendship-just a common hatred. Having an enemy provides us a cheap basis for destroying evil without compelling us to see similar evil in ourselves. What is necessary for us to biblically love our enemy-and truly see our opponent as a friend?
Making a Good Marriage: There's Only One Way
Steven Garber, Ph.D.
There is only one way into a good marriage, and that is through the vision and virtues of friendship, says author Steven Garber.
Managed by Care
First Things, April 2001
Explores those who wish to "manage" our self-perception.
Marcel As Counselor: Four Ideas Toward Other-Centered Repentance
Liam Atchison
French philosopher and writer Gabriel Marcel counters the resigned fatalism of existentialism with the essence of the Gospel: we do not belong to ourselves. Liam Atchison discusses Marcel's principles in light of our self-absorbed society's narcissistic focus on recovery.
Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus
Ray and Sue Bohlin
Many of the concepts in John Gray's blockbuster "Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus" make sense because they are based on God-designed differences between men and women. A husband-wife team discuss these differences, as well as how God's commands to husbands and wives demonstrate the gender-related needs of their spouses.
Mid-Life Transition
Kerby Anderson
Examines the mid-life crisis facing baby boomers. Discusses seasons in a man?s life and provides applications for both men and women.
Miracle Depression Cure
Charles Slack, Ph.D.
Relief from even the worst depression lies in some special Hebrew words. The Old Testament has seven such words describing worship.
Mothers of Male Homosexuals: A Study
Summary of a doctoral dissertation reporting that homosexuals and heterosexuals have significantly different recollections of their childhood mother-son relationships. Homosexual men reported a less loving, more demanding and more rejecting mother.
My History of Drug Abuse and Recovery
Charles Slack, Ph.D.
In the early 1960s, when it was still legal, I began experimenting with the drug Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD). At first, my drug use could be called genuine research. Timothy Leary and others at Harvard obtained the drug from Sandos Laboratories in Switzerland administering it, initially, under controlled conditions. However, as history relates, things rapidly got out of hand. Personally, the results were disastrous.
My Story
Charles Slack, Ph.D.
My name is Charles Slack. I'm standing up. It's a miracle. There's nobody sicker than a sick psychologist. I was an alcoholic and drug addict.
The Myth of a Value-Free Psychology: It's Time for a Public Debate
Is a neutral psychology possible? Has psychology ever been neutral? Or has it always been grounded in a system of values.
Non-Gay Homosexuals: Who Are They? (Chapter 1)
Reparative Therapy of Male Homosexuality by Joseph Nicolosi, Ph.D.
Much has been written in recent years about embracing the gay lifestyle and "coming out of the closet." Yet there is a certain group of homosexual men who will never seek fulfillment through coming out into a gay identity. These men have chosen to grow in another direction.
Off the Dope
Charles Slack, Ph.D.
If you want to smoke marijuana, that?s your business. However if you want to quit, perhaps I can help. After all I tried to quit hundreds of times before I found out how.
On the Origins of Homosexuality: Is a Person "Born that Way"?
Summary of Comments of the Most Respected Researchers
The best overall summary of most respected researchers is that homosexuality (like most other psychological conditions) is due to a combination of social, biological, and psychological factors. Includes comments from Byne, Satinover, Hamer, Friedman and Downey, Goldberg, Mann, LeVay, and others.
One Angry Man
First Things, June/July 1996
The author reflects on the fact that he is continually called in for jury duty but is never actually selected as a juror. What do defense lawyers look for in a potential juror?
One Minute after Death
Rusty Wright
Can we know whether there is life after death? What method would we use to find out? This article examines Near Death Experiences and Out-Of-Body Experiences.
Out of Control: Obnoxious Little League Parents
Breakpoint with Chuck Colson
Michael Costin was supervising practice for his son's hockey team north of Boston. During the practice, another parent became upset at how his son was being treated. What happened next is a sign of where our culture's attitudes about parenting can lead.
Overview: The Seven Habits
Seven Habits Discussion Guide
Dr. Joseph (Rae) Mellichamp, professor emeritus of the University of Alabama, discussion notes for "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People". This chapter gives an overview of the seven habits.
Pop Psychology Myths
Kerby Anderson
Examines five prevalent myths found in various pop psychology books.
Psychotherapy for the "Gay" Teenager
Should a sexually questioning teen be affirmed as gay, and introduced to the gay world? Dr. Joseph Nicolosi says the teen years are much too soon for anyone to make a lifestyle and identity decision with such profound implications. Other options should b
Quotes from Gay Researchers LeVay and Hamer
Some surprising quotes from researchers Simon LeVay and Dean Hamer, whose research was wrongly used as proof that gays are 'born that way.'
Reflections from Jeffrey Satinover
Our culture is awash in a tide of unconstrained instinctive behaviors which are labeled 'okay' because nobody has a sense, any more, as to what's right and what's wrong. This attitude has led us toward a growing barbarism.
Reflections on the Human Potential Movement: An Interview with William Coulson
A former colleague of Carl Rogers, founder of the Human Potential Movement, repudiates the anarchy and self-indulgence the movement inspired. 'Human beings were behaving lke monkeys in the name of self-actualization.'
Remembering That We Forget
Dan Allender
"We forget details, appointments, and keys, but all these pale in comparison to the amnesia of self in which we forget who we are." So writes Dan Allender as he probes the significance, and subjectivity, of the function of memory. With neurological and biblical support, he concludes that we must never forget our susceptibility to forgetting God.
Reparative Therapy of Male Homosexuality
An excerpt of psychologist Joseph Nicolosi's modern classic on causes and treatment of homosexuality. Having internalized a sense of masculine gender deficit, the gay man seeks that mysterious maleness 'out there' rather than from within.
Report #1 Treatment and Relapse
Charles Slack, Ph.D.
One of our most serious social problems is failure of treatment for alcoholism, drug abuse and other addictions. Although reliable data are not always available, relapse rates are high for all forms of treatment. What this means for you and me is that, no matter what treatment we choose, we can expect to recidive (backslide) eventually. What does the Bible say about this situation? Well, when it comes to abstaining from compulsions, the Bible clearly states that fellowship, rather than treatment, is the answer. This vital difference between fellowship and treatment is neglected in the psychological literature.
Responding to Pro-Gay Theology
Joe Dallas
This article addresses the pro-gay theology by dividing its arguments--or tenants--into three categories: social justice arguments, general religious arguments, and scriptural arguments. A brief description of these arguments is provided, followed by a response/rebuttal to each.
Responsibility and the Moral Sentiments
First Things, January 1996
Daniel N. Robinson reviews "Responsibility and the Moral Sentiments" by R. Jay Wallace. In this book, the author attempts a theoretical and practical reconciliation between human emotions and moral reasoning.
Self-Esteem Curricula
Don Closson
An overview of current self-esteem curricula and some criticisms from a Christian perspective.
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People Discussion Notes
If you are like most Christian professors, you have felt a burden for your colleagues and have wanted to reach out to them, to minister to them -- especially those closest to you. Perhaps you just haven't done so because you haven't been able to think of an appropriate way. One of the real keys of ministry is to address felt needs. Perhaps the universally perceived need of professors in academia is time management, effectiveness. What better way to minister to busy colleagues who are all under pressure to produce than to offer to help them become more effective. Dr. Joseph (Rae) Mellichamp, professor emeritus of the University of Alabama, created a set of discussion notes for the highly popular book "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" that has proven useful in ministering to colleagues. There is an accompanying Adobe Acrobat version that can be used to conduct this study which is available from this page.
Seven Things I Wish Pro-Gay People Would Admit
Pro-gay people rarely acknowledge the reality that change from homosexuality can be significant and genuine, even if it is not complete. A person's motive for change is not necessarily internalized homophobia. And such a person will often find peace and g
Suicide Is Not a Private Choice
First Things, August/September 1997
Explores the right to privacy in the context of suicides.
Symphony Auditions: Preparation and Execution
Douglas Yeo
Douglas Yeo, Bass Trombonist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. has tvritten extensively in professional music publications on the subject of taking symphony orchestra auditions. Drawing on his experience as a performer and as an audition committee member, this new article, Frorn his book in progress, "The Trombonist's Orchestral Handbook," is a comprehensive look at preparation for and successful execution of symphony auditions. This article offers practical tips on audition preparation, resume writing, making an audition tape and an honest, inside look at the audition process.
Tobacco and the Soul
First Things, April 1997
What does smoking reveal about a person? Do the different ways of using tobacco signify a great variety of psychological meanings? This philosophical reflection provides a more traditional perspective on this timely topic.
Treatment of Gender-Disturbed Children: Clinical Issues
Book Review: Gender Identity Disorder and Psychosexual Problems in Children and Adolescents, by Kenneth Zucker, Ph.D. and Susan Bradley, M.D.
A review of "Gender Identity Disorder and Psychosexual Problems in Children and Adolescents," by Kenneth Zucker, Ph.D. and Susan Bradley, M.D.
Understanding How We Think about Homosexuality
Goldberg is a 'politically incorrect' sociology professor who is neither liberal nor conservative. He blasts feminist science as self-congratulatory and unscientific, and gay scholarship as resting on false premises that academia is fearful to challenge.
What Is Wrong with Us? The Question at the Heart of the Counseling Debate
Dan Allender
The chorus of voices is unanimous: Something is very definitely the matter with human beings. Yet, what is the core of our dilemma? Is it psychological or spiritual? Only when we view our failures in the biblical context of faith, hope, and love can we begin to rightly address our fundamental flaws.
What's Going On?
John H. Stoll, Ph.D.
Recently, the nation was shocked at the massacre of high school young people in Colorado. As we watched the news, and listened to officials, the common thread through it all was, what?s going on? The Bible provides understanding.
What's Going Wrong in our Country?
John H. Stoll, Ph.D.
In this RealAudio file (37 minutes), Dr. Stoll provides insight into what is happening in the U.S. in light of recent shootings in high schools.
When Worldviews Collide
The Real Issue, January 1998
A comparison of the thoughts and viewpoints of C.S. Lewis and Sigmund Freud. Dr. Armand Nicholi examines the worldviews of Lewis and Freud, and in particular their ideas concerning life, pain and death.
When Worldviews Collide: C.S. Lewis and Sigmund Freud: a comparison of their thoughts and viewpoints on life; pain and death (Part Two)
The Real Issue, March 1998
Armand Nicholi, Jr., M.D. concludes his anaylsis can comparison of the worldviews of Freud and Lewis by writing of their thoughts on death and life. Nicholi has done much original work in his research on the two personalities.
When the Good Guys Don't Win
Rusty Wright
"Why is there suffering in the world?" ranked first in a national survey to determine the top 40 questions of life. Many human efforts to alleviate suffering and achieve happiness have borne some fruit, but each also contains examples of failure. This article considers a few of these human efforts, then asks revealing questions. Could we be missing the root of the problem? Could much human suffering be rooted in something deeper than flawed political systems or philosophical constructs? Could there be something wrong with the human heart?