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How the Bible Created the Soul of Western Civilization, Reviews Book
The Book that Made Your World: How the Bible Created the Soul of Western Civilization, Reviews Book: A Review
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I intend to present my reflection on Chapter 1, The West without Its Soul: From Bach to Cobain. In this chapter, Vishal Mangalwadi (2011) looks at the “death” of God in the society. Specifically, he looks at the cultural shift in religious beliefs as people move more towards secularism compared to a belief in God. In a cultural drift referred to as “never mind”, Mangalwadi addresses how individuals have become more nihilist leading to loss of purpose in life and direction, components that were previously provided by religion and the teaching of the bible. Music, a key part of the American culture, keenly follows the core beliefs of a society. In this chapter, Kurt Cobain, a popular American artist, is compared to Johann Sebastian Bach and other musicians such as Friedrich Nietzsche. Their styles reveal how a popular school of thought applies and influences the actions and responses of a society towards cultural issues. In a critical analysis of the rejection of the self, popularized through Buddhist teachings and the sense of self loss, Mangalwadi (2011) reveals various consequences including widespread skepticism, a nihilist logic, and a notable diversion from culture. Western music has changed how the American society views the world, including the self and the idea of others in a manner that is detrimental to the overall welfare, not just of the individual but the society as a whole.
The Bible is crucial in the abstract definition and development of the human soul in a manner that it defines life and gives purpose to individuals. Striking similarities and stark contrasts between Bach and Cobain in their lives and beliefs show how a systemic diversion from a biblical worldview in the Western world has changed not just the music but also the way people live their lives. Bach has a biblical background and upbringing while Cobain who leans on Buddhism, the latter driving Cobain to a belief in Nihilism and consequent death by suicide. Bach’s music created celebrated classical pieces that instilled hope for the audience and influenced a popular culture driven by biblical teachings. Cobain’s worldview was one devoid of God, inspired by Buddhism and a diversion from a cultural belief in the bible and it related teachings. Reflective in his music, the said worldview bore nothing of substance or meaningful. Mangalwadi (2011) asserts that the soul expresses itself through music, the latter being a window into the soul of each other. The cultural issue that chapter 1 dwells into is a deviation from biblical teachings evident in the American society and the consequences of such worldview on the culture. From this section, the Bible is presented as an instrument that shapes the souls of people, and the reverse is also true in a way evidenced through musical compositions and influences. Bach and Cobain reveal that the absence of biblical teachings leads to rotting of the soul, an issue that has plagued Western civilization as it deviates from cultural life based on the Bible.
The West has removed its foundation and is slowly collapsing. In an analogy similar to a person sawing a branch that they are sitting on, Mangalwadi (2011) creates the strange scenario to show how the society is knowingly degrading as it moves away from biblical teachings to incorporate a new culture where God is considered non-existent. The comparison of music from Bach and Cobain, and their influences, including the death of Cobain and the consequent chain of copy cut suicides from followers, shows that man cannot exist away from God. The American society is essentially undergirded by Christian and Biblical theology and without these and the concept of God, the society would slowly collapse. A philosophy of nihilism, rejection of the self, and nothingness are only doors to a miserable life (Mangalwadi, 2011). Music, a core concept of the society, is meant to be a harmonious euphony intended for the glory of God. The reason behind Bach’s success, both at being an artist and having positive influence in the society, is because of the influences of the bible and his belief in God. However, as the West tends to distance itself more from God and the biblical teachings, it is losing its soul and its defining features and continues to fail in its ability to make and appreciate societal components such as music and imparting positivity and hope that are meant to nourish the human soul.
I agree with the author that the West, especially the American culture, is losing value because of the deviation from biblical teachings and a belief in God. Increasingly, Americans are turning to nothingness and a nihilist view as a replacement for God and the Bible. The influence of such a worldview is revealed even with the way music is made and interpreted. Despite this position, I do not fully agree that the diversion of the popular culture away from God and the Bible is fully responsible for the way the Western civilization is crumbling in terms of culture and beliefs. I feel like something is missing: sufficient Christian and biblical mentorship. I agree with the Christian response that people must turn back to the bible for answers. The response is realistic because it essentially calls for a re-evaluation of lifestyle and beliefs. It asks people to go back to feeling the empty voids that the drifting away from God has created. In this discussion, I find a lot of similarity and alignment to what I feel about the American culture. I see it as primarily built on Christianity and the biblical teachings. The foundations of the society, being primarily God-centered, require that the society maintains the same position. I have seen examples of people who have regained control of their lives once they went back to believing in God. The same is applicable for America. Going back to biblical teachings and understanding why this is important can lead to a new culture, one that appreciates the beauty of diversity while ensuring that people regain a sense of purpose that can only be afforded through believing in something higher and above oneself.
References
Mangalwadi, V. (2011). The book that made your world: How the Bible created the soul of western civilization. Thomas Nelson.
Evidence Based Practice in community corrections, factors to consider when determining the best program
Evidence Based Practice in community corrections: factors to consider when determining the best program/practice in community corrections
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Introduction
In the past years, community corrections have continuously suffered from lack of information of reducing offender recidivism. Investigations conducted estimates that US corrections represent 25% of world’s prison population. These corrections currently holds over two million offenders. The costs of mass corrections in socio-economic terms have aroused legislative and scholarly concern. For instance, those convicted for long sentences pose collateral consequences such as failure to participate in fully in civic rights such as voting or employment. Further costs are those which involve operating the correction facilities. Several strategies such as cost-benefit analysis, specific clinical trials amongst others have reliably produced sustainable reductions in offender recidivism (Klingele, 2013). This paper highlights factors to consider when determining the best program in community corrections
Establishing best program in community corrections
The knowledge of the evidence based practice (EBP) is insufficient to enhance or even sustain a new way of running correction facilities. Therefore, agencies and systems should establish ways to adjust their organizational culture. Collaborations between the National Institute of corrections, Crime and Justice Institute and other partners developed an Integrated Model to facilitate effective implementation of evidence based practices in correction facilities. The model incorporates three components namely a) evidence based practice b) organizational development and c) collaboration between other components (Guevara & Solomon, 2009).
Various principles have been developed to determine the best program which should be applied in community corrections. However, aligning these principles with programs of correctional facilities face challenges hence requires careful planning. Most of the interventions do interlock and have a direct impact on recidivism. One of the factors that should be considered in establishing effective EBP is the actuarial risk assessment. The EBP should comprise a screening system with sufficiently and accurately written procedures, and focuses on dynamic and static risk factors and profile criminogenic needs. Staff should be well trained to administer the system in order to assess the offenders for effective management (Marie, 2008).
In addition correction officers and program staff should be equipped with motivational interviewing techniques. This will not only ensure that offenders and staff relate interpersonally, but also in sensitive constructive manner, thereby enhancing intrinsic motivation. Change of behavior is dynamic and is usually influenced by interpersonal relations with corrections officers and other institutional. Researches strongly embrace motivational interviewing principle over persuasion tactics for effective behavioral changes which is sustainable. Another factor to be considered for EBP involves skill train complimented with directed practice. This involves use of cognitive behavioral treatment techniques for successful EBP in community corrections. Staff should be trained to recognize the appropriate communication technique to use to offenders. Additionally, skills taught to the offender should be role-played to reinforce the resulting pro-social attitudes. Therefore, correctional facilities should prioritize and budget for such programs which have been scientifically been proven to significantly reduce recidivism (Marie, 2008).
Positive reinforcement tactic is another factor that should be considered before adopting any EBP. Human beings are known to respond better to maintain taught skill or even behavioral changes for a longer period of time when rewarded rather than when reproached. Behaviorists have encouraged for higher ratio of positive rather than negative reinforcement in order to achieve sustainable behavioral changes. However, this should not be done at the expense unacceptable behavior. Realigning the offender and regular pro-socio supports form their community is also very effective factor to modify behaviors. Therefore, community supports for offenders should be integrated in case planning in order to improve bonds and ties to pro-social community members. Regular assessment and documentation on behavior changes by the offender change should be conducted. Additionally, correction staff should be assessed in order to evaluate performance, and achieve greater conformity for interventions design and principles delivery. Once a technique to assess relevant processes has been achieved, the interventions should be monitored to indicate the feedback. Routine audits, regular case reviews and maintaining the staff focused on ultimate goal of reduced recidivism is very essential factor in establishing the best evidence based practice. This in turn builds accountability and maintains integrity, resulting to motivation for change and overall improved outcomes (Marie, 2008).
Other factor includes a) risk principle b) need principle c) responsibility principle and d) treatment principle. Other factors which should be considered for an efficient EBP includes a) identifying the goal (common vision) of the evidence based practice. The problem should be well outlined and the tasks involved well articulated to mutually achieve beneficial outcome. Strategies should be established for achieving the vision through having everyone engaged in order to find a common ground b) the purpose of the EBP is should be defined. The styles of leadership dictate the accomplishment of the interventions in corrections facilities. For instance, Coercive leadership requires immediate compliance whilst the authoritative leadership will mobilize individuals toward the set goal. Afflictive leaders develop harmonic and emotional bonds whilst democratic leadership demands consensus through participation. Pacesetting leadership requires excellence and self-direction whereas coaching leaders tends to develop for the future. Most successful EBP relies on multi- leadership styles (Guevara & Solomon, 2009).
All groups involved in developing the EBP should have agreement regarding strategies to achieve the attainable goals c) the roles and responsibility of each partner should be identified in order to bring effective collaborations d) principles should be defined focusing on strengths in order to acknowledge and validate ideas e) lastly, open and frequent communication between parties involved which strengthens the collaborative team bonds (Guevara & Solomon, 2009).
The EBP forms the foundation for effective service provisions and supervisions. The correction facilities should establish their missions and goals. They should also search for new knowledge and skill which will facilitate in adjusting their infrastructure to support the changes in running the correctional facilities. EBP involves a) developing corrections staff skills, attitudes and knowledge b) Implementing offender programming c) monitoring corrections staff actions and offenders programming to compare discrepancies d) attainability of verifiable outcome associated with the interventions. Embracing the integrated Model results to numerous rewards including a) efficient resource mobilization and utilization b) fosters responsible practices c) promotes accountability c)creates a learning environment for both corrections staff and offenders (Guevara & Solomon, 2009).
Rational used to determine best evidence based practice
University of Maryland Scientific methods score system is one of the rational used to assess the feasibility of evidence based practice. It is a scoring system which reveals on EBP which works and those which does not. The scoring is done from “1” to “5”. 1 is the least score and 5 being the strongest and maximum score. Another rationale that can be used to determine the best EBP is a meta-analysis. This is a systematic review which summarizes, integrates and interprets sets of scholarly research. This approach is best because it facilitates the researchers to aggregate the enormous empirical studies, enabling them to compare and examine the effect of the interventions. The scientific technique applies statistics as a unit of analysis (Hager and Johnsson, 2009).
Conclusion
Prison populations have terrifically increased nationally, making corrections take the larger proportions of local and state budgets. Therefore, it is jurisdictions role to determine whether the funds are wisely spent by focusing on correctional interventions adopted, their effectiveness or impact on later criminal behavior. In particular, there are concerns as to whether Correctional planning based on scientific interventions are effective in changing offenders
Evidently, the core components of an evidence based practice determine the impact the program has on sustaining reductions on recidivism. The framework of principles and factors discussed above should be operationalized by the individual case, agency and system involved. At these three levels, a comprehensive and strategic planning is required in order to succeed. The planning involves a) identifying b) prioritizing and c) formulating well- timed programs by addressing the issues and tasks which require system collaboration. Additionally, the aforementioned principles should be reflected in interventions policies and daily routine of correction agencies. The success of the EBP relies on the equilibrium between interventions and the enforcement. However, the principle cannot be put in place immediately. Therefore, each organization has a role to determine its pace of implementation appropriate to its resource availability and readiness. The implementation also requires huge investment in terms of people, time and finance.
References
Guevara, M., & Solomon, E., (2009) Implementing evidence based policy and practice in community corrections. Retrieved from HYPERLINK “http://static.nicic.gov/Library/024107.pdf” http://static.nicic.gov/Library/024107.pdf
Hager, P., & Johnsson, M, C., (2009) Working outside the comfort of competence in corrections centre: toward collective competence. Human Resource Development international Vol.12 (5)
Klingele, C., (2013) Criminal law: rethinking the use of community supervisions. The Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology Vol. 103 (4)
Marie, M., (2008) Implementing evidence based practice in community corrections: the principle of effective interventions. Retrieved from https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&noj=1&q=+Implementing+evidence+based+practice+in+community+corrections&oq=+Implementing+evidence+based+practice+in+community+corrections&gs_l=serp.12..35i39j0j0i22i30l8.39232.56406.0.61608.38.35.0.0.0.1.549.4676.6j13j4j3j0j1.27.0….0…1c.1.35.serp..28.10.1609.kjWapqDGi7E#
Aliens can be defined as a person or a form of life whose origin is not from Earth
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Aliens can be defined as a person or a form of life whose origin is not from Earth. However, it can also mean a person who is not a resident of a particular country in law. The acronym UFO stands for unidentified flying object which means any object that is cannot be identified that is flying in the sky. The UFO is an object that cannot be easily identified by any technology like radar. The term UFO was created by the US Air force. The alien forms of life vary and can range from small organisms to complex beings than humans. The alien life has captured the attention of man in recent times with many researches, documentaries and movies produced about the alien life.
Some scientists have predicted that there is life beyond earth using various scientific models and hypothesis. As a result, various scientists have been looking for planets that can support life in the universe with some planets said to contain favorable environments for supporting life. Jupiter’s moon the Europa was discovered to contain a surface that can be suitable for cellular organisms. This further fueled the possibility of extraterrestrial life.
The idea of extraterrestrial life began during the ancient days after the invention of telescope when it became clear that the Earth was one planet among numerous bodies in the solar system. The ancient scientists believed that there were other planets, which had life, just like Earth. Many ancient cultural tales had the idea of existence of numerous worlds which were inhabited by intelligent human life forms. These myths also considered the sun and the moon to be inhabited by other beings. Extraterrestrial life would also be depicted by chariots driven by gods. Some of the myths told stories of the people from the moon, normally a beautiful princess either visiting or going to the moon from the other. However, these tales were mythical with no evidence at all about the solar system.
There have been many fictional stories and conspiracy theories of aliens visiting or invading the earth. Many movies have been produced showing aliens invading the earth and threatening humans. Alien life has become part of the pop culture and the entertainment industry but accorded no seriousness at all. The alien story has become more fictional than scientific. The pop culture considers aliens as fictional stories and very good storylines for movies produced in Area 51. The movies, The Day the Earth Stood still, is fictional with exaggerated abilities of aliens who threaten the existence of the earth. The fictional stories about aliens in the entertainment industry show how the public treats with contempt the story of aliens. Most people do not believe in the existence of aliens but see it to be fictional and something less serious.
There are however, a lot of people in the world who believe that the earth must have been visited by aliens. This group of people believes that the UFOs such as flying saucers that have been witnessed must have come from some form of extraterrestrial life. There have been reports of UFOs seen across the skies in many parts of the world. This has also been disputed by a section of people who believe that the UFOs are common objects that are being carried by the wind. This group believes relying on physical eyesight of the UFOs as evidence of Alien invasion is inappropriate. Common objects like balloons, meteors, mirages and unusual looking clouds have been previously mistaken as UFOs. This situation has also been worsened by unsuccessful researches on the UFOs carried out by different governments. Therefore solely relying on the UFOs as an evidence of alien presence is wrong and foolhardy. Substantive evidence need to be produced to prove the existence of the aliens other than the UFOs.
A group of scientist believes that the presence of water in other planets is a sign of life in these planets and therefore extraterrestrial life can be supported in these planets. For instance, liquid water is believed to be present beneath the surfaces of Mars. Europa, which is a moon of Jupiter, appears to have oceans. Saturn’s moons also appear to be watery. Moreover, Venus appears to have liquid water. The presence of liquid water in these planets has fuelled the speculation that they must be extrasolar planets that can support life. The presence of liquid water alone is not an evidence of aliens’ presence in these planets. More proof is needed if the alien presence is to be believed.
Another argument to support the presence of aliens in the universe is the evolution of the Earth that seems to have happened so quickly. Scientists discovered evidence of the earliest form of life to be a certain bacteria type believed to have lived 3.4 billion year ago. These scientists believe that these bacteria must have also evolved from another form of life earlier before on earth. The quick evolution of life on Earth must have taken place in other planets according to the scientists. This therefore means evolution must have occurred in other planets such that they can support life too.
However, all the arguments are rather speculative than factual. The scientists seem to hypothesize the presence of extraterrestrial life without proper evidence to support they claim. For now, the evidence supporting this claim is insufficient and doubtable. Personally am not convinced of the presence of aliens in the universe unless there are fresh claims to prove so.