An Event in My Life that has One Cause with Three Results Essay

An Event in My Life that has One Cause with Three Results - Essay Example According to the paper, as the author declares "shortly after joining my first grade in school, my parents started to experience challenges in their marriage and after a period of not more than ten months, they filled a divorce case and were separated. This event was quite traumatizing to me and especially because I had never lived separately from my parents and had never imagined having parents who could not communicate effectively or even share a common ground on issues concerning my life. This event affected me psychologically and endured stress for a long time before being able to manage the condition. From this event, three types of stress each with particular consequences can be identified in relation to what happened to me afterwards. To begin with, an acute stress can be drawn from the immediate responses that could be identified in my routine schedule. Acute stress is the most common form of stress that is experienced by majority of people. This type of stress is highly mana geable and does not cause a lot of damage to a person if addressed soon. In the case of troubled parenthood from my parents, I started experiencing pressure to coordinate many issues in my life. Firstly, I began to worry about the fate of my parents’ relationship after I noted that they were quarrelling frequently. In addition, it was a little challenging to have proper concentration in classroom especially in the morning lectures because of bad emotional experiences at home. Although after a short while I could concentrate in classroom work, the morning quarrels by my parents at home made me to be more worried and hence poor concentration at school.The second result of the event can generally be classified as chronic stress. Normally, the person involved gives up in search of a solution and can continuously be worn out by the stress. Ideally, short lived stress is beneficial to humans because it enables their body to respond to issues that require a lot of energy and immedia te response. "

Beyond Belief

In Deborah Lipstadts’ book Denying the Holocaust, author reveals the rising doubt about the different revelation during the war (specifically Second World War ). The author commences a deterring commission not just by exposing but also by introducing who and what are those that renounce such Holocaust. Admitting that even the tiniest shade of skepticism on the truth about the Holocaust are influenced by some powerful entities are indeed unacceptable. The occurrence of these Holocausts are considered and recognized by some.To some extent, the book is not seeking for an absolution as Lipstadt had said. The academe, the media and the public are gravely vulnerable to lies, and that is why the book serves as a caution to those who want to get into these entities. The book on Holocaust denial was written not just to provide a kind of authority for those who want to cover the truth behind these Holocausts but also to learn more about the skepticism which most people don’t mind asking about. Specifically, the author wrote about the growing Holocaust advocates and its corresponding effects on certain historical events.Up until now though the Second World War is over, the war on the truth behind the Holocausts is just beginnng. The author stresses more about the endeavors to refute the Nazi extermination of the Jews which is one of the crucial messages of it that is being disregarded. The authors’ purpose is to speak to the public through presentation as coherent a manner as probable the history of the beginning of the arguments of the deniers and the argument themselves. Lipstadt began this by introducing the start of the past traditions of revisionists in the 1900s.Then slowly into the current tussle, citing the varying â€Å"segments† of the rebuffed Holocausts plus the truth that the incident that has escalated in extent and strength ever since 1970s. Somehow, whenever an common folk who reads the book will be educated of the true type of these rebuffed Holocausts and be guarded for several indications of the impairing effect wherever. The crucial part of the book entirety is that it arranges a plain clear and familiar guide of how far the deniers have gone on attempting to renounce or clarify away the Nazis mayhem during Second World War.Nazis used preposterous propagandas that up until now, though the Germans had lost in the war, Nazism continues. The Jews were blamed in actual fact for all what the Nazis have done. What the Germans did, which â€Å"any country† would do for its own protection, were provoked by the Jews. Certain accusations were tossed to the Jews, like using the mass media as its main tool in exercising its authority and the media composed mostly of Jews will work together as brothers. That the Jews wanted to have the power over the world’s funds by using the Germany for Israel.Even the Germans themselves find these ideas absurd but still they used it in the war and find beneficial f or them during the war. In order to even out the Nazis violence with every different abuse done, the allied nations were directed by these propagandas. The deniers attempted to reveal that even though Nazis perpetrate crimes opposed to the Jews, they should not be singled out in perpetrating such crimes and for that reason they’re not the ones’ who must be blamed for these crimes ad they do not deserve special punishment at all.There were attempts to minimize the total of Jews killed to a much smaller than six million. Even though the facts are undeniable and the proofs are convincing of the deaths of millions of people in their account and in addition to the admission of Nazis on trial at Nuremberg, Holocaust deniers always find time rebuffing these actuality. The author herself is having hard time pointing out a lot of times all over the book the ambiguity of their assertions; it seems that the main peculiarity of these deniers constantly paying no attention to these presented facts.There are esteemed scholars that are now joining in the crew of defending those who were supposed to be interrogated. The author herself is alarmed by these scholars, because they’re not racist and not even a German in blood and may account for more advocates of Holocausts. The major composition of the book is mainly monographic which share out a great amount of information in a very simple and specific way so that even undergraduate students will easily understand the contents.Though monograph means a singe subject, the book itself does not only showcase a single subject but even broader ones. An absolute definition of the book is somewhat as well restrictive. The authors’ reliability for undertaking the issue is well-establish. Certain facts are supported with historical evidences. It gives more understanding beyond someone’s perspective of the reality of what once has affected the word we are living. . References Gingerich, Charity. 2006. Mon thly Column. Emory University. Leff, Laurel. 2005. The journal of American History. Cambridge University Pres.

The Creation of a Trust Which Depicts the Formalities That Are Essay

The Creation of a Trust Which Depicts the Formalities That Are Required In the Dissemination of the Deceased Properties to the Beneficiaries - Essay Example In the paper, John drafts a will and appoints Tessa and Vincent as the trustees of his widow Susan and the two children.   On the death of John Susan accuses the trustees of breaching their mandates, therefore the following advice is going to be very important to determine whether Susan will be able to win the case and granted trust of the properties. It is notable will contained no express power; it simply stated that Tessa and Vincent were to hold the said properties until the opportune moment for them to grant them to the right beneficiaries who are the family. According to Target Holdings Ltd v Redferns, the right of the beneficiary is to have the trust administered in the best way it was intended in conformity with the general law and the trust instruments. Thus, according to law, the beneficiary will always be granted access to the will or deed and the accounts which are linked to the trust. Proper justifications are to be given to any shortcomings which may be pinpointed; ho wever, in this case, it is apparent that the trustees never informed the beneficiaries on the investments they had made. Thus, there is a breach of contract which makes them liable for the loss and any abnormalities which come about. It is evident that the trustees misapplied the money in their hands for their personal use. None of the beneficiaries is really aware of what is going on until when they make the claim and want to have the money for their own use. According to the case of Wallersteiner v Moir, the trustees are liable for any unnecessary delays and circumstantial impacts they may cause the beneficiaries. Susan is thus in the right position to sue the trustees and claim their authority inappropriate in managing the properties and accounts. There is a falsification impression which is created in the whole process. It is sufficient that the trustee is liable to a want of ordinary prudence. By the trustees delegating their duties to the Best Finance Company, they defied thei r obligations entirely. Besides that, there is no clear motive for them to surrender managerial roles of the will to this company which has questionable characters and performances.

MATH Math Problem Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Math Problem Example List multiple items in descending order of amount.) Quirk Company purchased office supplies costing 6,000 and debited Office Supplies for the full amount. At the end of the accounting period, a physical count of office supplies revealed 2,400 still on hand. The appropriate adjusting journal entry to be made at the end of the period would be Baden Realty Company received a check for 18,000 on July 1 which represents a 6 month advance payment of rent on a building it rents to a client. Unearned Rent was credited for the full 18,000. Financial statements will be prepared on July 31. Baden Realty should make the following adjusting entry on July 31: On July 1, Dexter Shoe Store paid 8,000 to Ace Realty for 4 months rent beginning July 1. Prepaid Rent was debited for the full amount. If financial statements are prepared on July 31, the adjusting entry to be made by Dexter Shoe Store is Southeastern Louisiana University sold season tickets for the 2008 football season for 160,000. A total of 8 games will be played during September, October and November. In September, two games were played. In October, three games were played. The balance in Unearned Revenue at October 31 is Southeastern Louisiana University sold season tickets for the 2008 football season for 160,000. A total of 8 games will be played during September, October and November.

Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Causes and Treatment Strategies

Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Causes and Treatment Strategies Pathology Acute myeloid leukemia is a disease that primarily afflicts adults. The likelihood of being diagnosed with AML increases with age; the median age of diagnosis is 65 with very few cases reported in those under the age of 40 [4]. Several risk factors have been associated with increased incidence of AML including: Li-Fraumeni disease, Klinefelter’s syndrome, radiation exposure, chemotherapy, and chemicals (benzene, herbicides, etc) (See supplementary figure S.1) [4]. However, the initiation of AML is a multistep process and can be the result many different genetic aberrations [4][5]. Therefore, the aforementioned risk factors do not account for all cases of AML [4]. Acute myelogenous leukemia is the result of oncogene-driven accumulation of immature myeloblasts within the bone marrow [5]. Myeloblasts are progenitor cells, which will ultimately give rise to neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils, and mast cells (collectively known as the granulocytes) [6]. In AML, the genes that govern proper differentiation of myeloblasts into one of the aforementioned cell types are mutated. This prevents differentiation and leads to a buildup of myeloblasts within the marrow [5]. The clinical consequences of myeloblast buildup are marrow failure leading to low white-blood cell count, low red-blood cell count, and insufficient levels of clotting factors [5]. Therefore, clinical symptoms are depressed immune function, anemia, and continued hemorrhaging. The molecular pathogenesis of AML (and all cancers) begins with the acquisition of genetic abnormalities. There are two models that describe how these acquisitions arise. The conventional model of cancer cell initiation proposes that the cell gradually acquires certain mutations to genes involved in mitotic signaling (KRAS or APC) and tumor suppression (P53), thereby allowing the cell to divide uncontrollably [7]. However, Recent work by Stephens et al. [8] showed that multiple mutations can be induced in a â€Å"one off† event by the random shattering and re-ligation of one or more chromosomes [8]. They termed this event â€Å"Chromothripsis† [8]. Chromothripsis results in massive translocations and changes to copy number state, but is distinct from the conventional model of cancer cell initiation by the presence of large-scale inter-chromosomal rearrangements [8]. Thus, the chromothripsis model differs from its conventional counterpart in the time taken for the cell t o reach malignancy and the scale to which the genome is altered. Chromothripsis is observed in a portion of AML cases; Rausch et al. [9] found nearly half of the AML cohort showed chromosomal rearrangements consistent with chromothripsis [9]. This shows that, accumulation of the necessary mutations that drive AML may occur by more than one mechanism. By either mechanism of AML initiation, myeloblasts lose the ability to differentiate. The molecular pathogenesis commonly shows two frequent chromosomal aberrations – a translocation between chromosome 8 and 21, and an inversion of chromosome 16 [5]. These changes affect two genes crucial for myeloid differentiation (CBF1ÃŽ ± and CBF1ÃŽ ²) [5]. The effect of the inversion and translocation results in a gene chimera, which is translated into a protein that interferes with proper CBF1ÃŽ ± and CBF1ÃŽ ² function [5]. However, these specific chromosomal alterations are not observed in every case of AML. DNA-damage inducing agents like radiation or certain chemicals, may cause aberrations to chromosome 5 and 7, which has also been implicated in the initiation of AML [5]. This shows that there are several factors involved in proper myeloid differentiation and that interference to any of them may result in AML. Visual differentiation of healthy myeloblasts from leukemic myeloblasts can be challenging. Myeloblasts should contain 3 5 nucleoli, which are full of uncondensed chromatin [6]. Some leukemic myeloblasts may show more than 3 – 5 nucleoli [5]. Also, they do not normally contain granules, however, leukemic myeloblasts may have granules, which can serve as a potential marker for diagnosis [5]. It is important to stress that these morphological changes may not appear in all cases of AML. Therefore, prognosis is confirmed by the presence of greater than 20% myeloblasts in bone marrow biopsy [5]. Treatment There are different avenues for treating AML. Treatment may include supportive care (in advanced cases), chemotherapy, and stem cell transplantation. However, chemotherapy is the most common and effective method of treatment [3]. When medicinal chemists began isolating antibiotics produced from bacteria in search of potential leads for drug design, Aurelio Di Marco and his research team discovered a new species of bacteria, Streptomyces peucetius, within a soil sample they obtained from an area near Bari, Italy [10][11]. This new strain of bacteria was produced a compound that was efficacious as a chemotherapeutic agent against many tumors; the compound was later named daunorubicin and is now considered a key intervention administered to patients with AML [12]. Daunorubicin and doxorubicin are part of the class of antibiotics collectively known as the anthracyclines. Anthracyclines can cause cytotoxicity by different mechanisms depending on their intracellular concentration. As reviewed by Gerwitz [13], in vitro studies show there are several possible mechanisms for the anti-tumor effects of these agents including: Inhibition of DNA synthesis, free radical generation leading to either DNA damage or lipid peroxidation, inhibition of DNA topoisomerase resulting in helix super-coiling, DNA alkylation, and DNA cross-linking [13]. The induction of apoptosis was also mentioned as a mechanism of cytotoxicity, but it is likely that apoptosis is a byproduct of the aforementioned cellular stresses, rather than a direct consequence of anthracycline exposure [13]. It is important to note that these mechanisms were observed in vitro, and that in vitro conditions allow for exposure at concentrations that may greatly exceed in vivo concentrations [13]. Pharmacodynamics Although, daunorubicin and doxorubicin are thought to cause cytotoxicity by several different processes, their ability to bind to DNA and prevent DNA replication or transcription is considered to be the primary means of anti-tumor activity in vivo [13][14]. This is because replication is inhibited at anthracycline concentrations that can be reached in vivo following a standard dosage [13]. The two anthracyclines appear to intercalate preferentially to regions of DNA with select base-pair composition, specifically, regions with CGATCG sequences [14]. Rabanni, Finn, Ausio [15] suggest that intercalation stabilizes hydrogen bonds between the two strands of DNA [15]. This means that the energy required to separate the strands is higher, and cannot be achieved by DNA helicase [15]. Thus, strand separation is inhibited, preventing DNA replication and tumor cell proliferation. For both compounds, the chromophore portion (DCBA in fig. 1) of the molecule intercalates between complementary guanine-cytosine (GC)  base pairs on each side of the DNA double-helix (fig. 2). The compound is stabilized in this position by hydrogen bonds on either side of the molecule. The â€Å"D† side of the molecule is held in position with aid from a solvent atom (believed to be ionic sodium), which forms hydrogen bonds between oxygen 4 and 5 to  nitrogen 7 of guanine12 (fig. 2) [14]. The â€Å"A† side of either drug is coordinated by hydrogen bonds from oxygen 9 to nitrogens 2 and 3 of guanine 2 (fig. 2) [14]. As previously mentioned, all of these interactions occur between both daunorubicin/doxorubicin and C/G DNA sequences. However, the added hydroxyl group on C14 of doxorubicin creates an extra association. The hydroxyl appears to shift solvent molecules such that indirect interactions between itself and the phosphate backbone of DNA are created (fig. 3) [14 ]. This added interaction might explain the slightly higher in vitro affinity constant between doxorubicin-DNA (Ka = 1.610-5) as compared to daunorubicin-DNA (Ka = 1.210-5) (in vitro Ka determination performed at 37 °C in 10% fetal calf serum) [17]. Doxorubicin is more potent than daunorubicin. In the case of anthracycline induced inhibition of DNA strand separation, the potency and efficacy are directly related. The increased binding affinity of doxorubicin means that it will associate with DNA and prevent DNA separation at a lower concentration (See supplementary fig.S2). Therefore, pharmacological factors aside, it will be more potent and will prevent tumor cell proliferation at lower concentrations. Synthesis Doxorubicin is a semi-synthetic analog of daunorubicin. The daunorubicin producing bacteria, Streptomyces peucetius, was mutated to the doxorubicin producing subspecies Streptomyces peucetius subsp. caesius [18]. This mutated strain was found to carry an oxidizing cytochrome P450 isoform capable of hydroxylating the C14 of daunorubicin [19]. The gene that encodes this P450 is called doxA [19]. Although, this gene is crucial for doxorubicin production, its presence does not guarantee collectable quantities of doxorubicin (See supplemental figure S.2) [20]. Enzymes, such as dnrH and dnrX, may further oxidize or reduce the newly formed doxorubicin into other metabolites that do not have antitumor abilities [18]. Therefore, in order to make doxorubicin production sustainable, the down regulation of such genes is required to increase doxorubicin yield. Pharmacokinetics Despite their similar molecular structure, daunorubicin and doxorubicin have distinct pharmacokinetic properties. This section will begin by contrasting the differences in elimination, metabolism, and distribution. Bioavailability will not be contrasted because both of these agents are administered intravenously. The section will then conclude with a description of tissue distribution, intracellular distribution, and toxicity. Administration As already mentioned, both anthracyclines are administered via intravenous injection [21][22]. They should not be injected subcutaneously or intramuscularly due to the significant risk of tissue death at and near the injection site [23]. The exact dosage schedule for both daunorubicin and doxorubicin is dependent on several different factors including: age, health, pre-exisiting heart conditions, and renal functioning, therefore exact dosages vary among different patient populations. In terms of daunorubicin, dosage ranges between 30 and 45 mg/m2, whereas doxorubicin dosages range between 40 and 75 mg/m2 during the initial course of treatment [24][25]. Elimination Both compounds are eliminated from the plasma via urinary and biliary mechanisms [23]. However, a much greater proportion of a daunorubicin dose is excreted through the kidneys (14-23%) as compared to doxorubicin (5%), while a larger proportion of doxorubicin was reported to be excreted through the bowels (50%) compared to daunorubicin (40%) [23]. Daunorubicin and doxorubicin are considered to be high clearance drugs. They have a similar clearance value of 1-2 L/Kgà ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã… ¸h [26]. The elimination of either drug, along with their metabolites, follows a triphasic decline in plasma concentration [23]. After a 60ml/m2 infusion of daunorubicin/doxorubicin, the plasma concentration/time graph shows that both drugs are eliminated with a similar rate (fig.3) [26]. However the Medsafe ® [23] datasheet for daunorubicin/doxorubicin reports that the plasma T1/2 for the first phase averages 45min daunorubicin and 12min doxorubicin, while the second phase is 18.5hrs daunorubicin, 3.3hrs doxorubicin. Metabolism The primary metabolites of daunorubicin and doxorubicin are daunorubicinol and doxorubicinol respectively. Because of their similar structures, the metabolism of either compound occurs in a likewise fashion. The enzyme most implicated in metabolism is NADPH (nicotinamide-adenine-dinucleotide-phosphate) dependent cytochrome P450 reductase [27]. This enzyme reduces the ketone at C13 to an alcohol to produce daunorubicinol and doxorubicinol [28]. These two products are believed to retain their cytotoxicity and are cleared from the plasma at a similar rate [28][29]. Another common metabolite for either compound is generated via reduction of the glycosidic bond by gycosidases. Glycosidic reduction results in removal of the amino-sugar that is bonded to C7 [28]. This reaction eliminates the anti-tumor capabilities of either compound [28]. Following removal of the amino-sugar, the remaining aglycone is demethylated and then undergoes phase II metabolism (sulfonation or glucuronidation) [23]. Phase II metabolism by sulfonation or glucuronidation increases plasma clearance and enhances elimination. Two other metabolites are listed in literature, 7-deoxydoxorubincolone and 7-deoxydoxorubinone, however the enzyme or enzymes that facilitate these reactions were not noted [30]. Two other enzymes metabolize both daunorubicin and doxorubicin under aerobic conditions, xanthine dehydrogenase and xanthine oxidase, and produce reduced semiquinones and oxygen radicals [31]. These radicals could provide added efficacy to the drug therapy. It has been suggested that advanced stage cancer cells exhibit high oxidative stress and that it may be advantageous to exploit this finding to preferentially and specifically attack and destroy them [30]. Under anaerobic conditions, xanthine dehydrogenase metabolizes doxorubicin to 7- deoxydoxorubicin aglycone, which has been found to be efficacious in the reduction of the drug’s toxicity [31]. Volume of Distribution Daunorubicin and doxorubicin localize in the tissues. The Vd for daunorubicin is 39.2 L/Kg, while the Vd for doxorubicin is 24.6 L/Kg [26]. This indicates that both compounds have high tissue distribution [26]. Although the addition of a hydroxyl group at C14 markedly reduces doxorubicin’s ability to distribute into the tissues (relative to daunorubicin), doxorubicin remains within leukemic cells for a longer duration than daunorubicin (fig. 5) [26]. Upon administration, daunorubicin accumulates within leukemic cells more rapidly than does doxorubicin (fig 5). This is likely because of the increased polar surface area brought on by the added hydroxyl group of doxorubicin, which hinders its ability to cross membranes. However, the added hydroxyl group provides increased binding affinity to DNA [17]. Therefore, it will not leave the cell as rapidly because it will remain bound to DNA [26]. Toxicity The clinical use of doxorubicin and daunorubicin may be limited by their similar inherent toxicity. It goes without saying that chemotherapeutics should not be administered to women who are lactating or pregnant due to significant health complications that can be incurred by the infant or fetus, respectively, therefore these drugs should not be considered in these populations [33]. The use of these agents in a long-term manner is cautioned due to their ability to cause cardiotoxicity [29]. Under aerobic conditions, the semiquinone radical that may be produced during metabolism undergoes redox cycling [27]. Accumulation of reaction oxygen species soon occurs and can cause cytotoxicity [27]. This is believed to account for tissue death in cardiac cells, and is one of the major implications of using the anthracycline class of anti-tumors agents [27]. The cardiotoxicity itself includes effects such as functional damage to mitochrondrial DNA, interference of cytochrome c oxidase, and dysf unctional lipid peroxidation [13]. Personalised Cancer Treatment: Known Markers in Treatment Personalised Cancer Treatment: Known Markers in Treatment Personalised cancer treatment – known markers and what they mean for treatment Contents (Jump to) Known markers and what they mean for treatment Overview Drug target markers Diagnostic and prognostic markers Meta description Keywords Copyscape Known markers and what they mean for treatment Overview Personalised, targeted and hormonal treatments all depend on genetic mutations that can be identified in cancer cells to be effective. These mutations are sometimes referred to as â€Å"markers†. The markers can manifest through over-expression, lack of expression or mutated expression of specific proteins. Some markers can be targeted using specific treatments whereas some can act as measurements for disease diagnosis, prognosis and treatment response. Drug target markers The genes listed below have all been associated in cancer, the majority of which can also be treated. (*) – Targetable genes and proteins that can also be measured to determine treatment response, cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Diagnostic and prognostic markers The following markers are all related to diagnosis, prognosis and treatment progress. Meta description Cancer markers can help with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and can give access to targeted therapies. Keywords Cancer markers, genetic markers, diagnostic markers, drug target markers Copyscape Checked Sep 2014 CIGNPOST: KNOWN MARKERS AND WHAT THEY MEAN FOR TREATMENT © Cignpost Ltd 2014PAGE | 1 [EB1]If these are genes not proteins then they should be in italics Psychology Christianity: Five Views | Eric L. Johnson Psychology Christianity: Five Views | Eric L. Johnson Review of â€Å"Psychology Christianity- Five Views† by Eric L. Johnson. Title: Psychology Christianity Five Views Author: Eric L. Johnson Publisher: InterVarsity Press. (U.S.A.) 2000 Price:  £14.37 ISBN: 978-0-8308-2848-7 Introduction: In this book review, I intend to cover the following outcomes: evaluate psychological theories against biblical teaching, discuss the contribution psychology has to make to Christian counselling, assess the compatibility of psychology (research and psychotherapy) with Christian counselling and critical examination of psychological theories. About the editor Eric L. Johnson is a teacher, editor, author and director. He attended Toronto Baptist Seminary and proceeded on to Calvin College before going on to Michigan State University where he bagged his PhD. He is an academic psychologist and initially lectured for nine years at the Northwestern College in Minnesota teaching Christian worldview, psychology and theology. Johnson wrote â€Å"Foundations for Soul Care: A Christian Psychology Proposal† and contributed several articles for the Baker Encylopedia of Psychology and Counselling. He argued for the necessity of theology in counselling and psychological research. He is with the Journal of Psychology and Theology as an associate editor. Johnson edited a special issue of the Journal of Psychology and Christianity, entitled â€Å"Psychology within the Christian Tradition† in 1998. He made contributions in two books: â€Å"Christianity and Psychology: Four Views† and â€Å"God under Fire: Modern Scholarship Reinvents God† in addition to editing this book that I am reviewing. Johnson is currently the director of the Society for Christian Psychology and the Lawrence and Charlotte Hoover Professor of Pastoral Care at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. About the Book Psychology and Christianity: Five Views, is divided into seven chapters and has three hundred and nineteen pages. It is a review and expansion of the first edition titled â€Å"Psychology and Christianity: Four Views†. This book essentially lends to give a precise understanding of human nature and this is an issue that has refused to go. In page 104, we see that Adams argues that the Bible is sufficient to understand human nature and there is nothing psychology can offer but there are opposing arguments. Freud cited in Chapman (2007:41) argues that religion is an illusion. However, Crabb cited in Lutzer (1998:72) argues that we can spoil the Egyptians; take the best of both Christianity and Psychology for our use and become more effective as long as they are not in conflict with the Bible because the Bible will always be superior. The Wesleyan Quadrilateral advocates that four factors (Scripture, Tradition, Experience and Reason) must be considered when reaching decisions. In view of all this on-going debates, Johnson tries in this book to advance the argument for a relationship between Psychology and Christianity, and address the issue of helping Christians to understand and grasp the nettle of psychology. In this edition, there is a fifth view which has been added to the first edition of four views. This fifth view is contributed by John H. Coe and Todd W. Hall and it is titled â€Å"A Transformational Psychology view†. The other four view contributors were still involved in this edition but with revised contributions. The authors put forward five different views of how Psychology and Christianity can be integrated. They are David G. Myers who deals with the levels of explanation; an integration view by Stanton L. Jones, biblical counselling view by David A. Powlison and Christian psychology by Robert C. Roberts co-authored by P.J. Watson. Johnson wrote the opening chapter discussing the history of Christian psychology and also the closing chapter which talks about gaining understanding through the five views put forward by the various authors. The authors gave very good account of themselves in their respective views. Every chapter is concise, well laid out and the thought flow pattern is quite consistent and credible. Content of the book Johnson sandwiches the five views in between two chapters that he authored. He started in this first chapter by looking at the history of Christians in Psychology. In this chapter, Johnson looks at a generic background of psychology but with special reference to how psychology is viewed today. He argues (page 10) that science is a gift from God and that the scientific revolution was initiated by mostly Christians. Some Christians have unreservedly incorporated modern psychology while others like (Bobgan Bobgan 1987) have out-rightly rejected it and called it â€Å"psychoheresy†. Johnson explained in this chapter about the neutrality of this book and that it is rather a picture of the views of the majority of Christians. The second chapter was by David Myers and it deal with levels of explanation. This chapter delves into the subject of human characteristics. This view recognises that Christian theology and Psychology are different and should be treated so but that both should combine well. Myers argues (page 49) that both vary especially in the methodology of research and so each should free to explore as they deem fit. He further argues (page 72-74) that scientific data has enabled him along with some other Christian thinkers to shift from their view of seeing homosexuality as a sin, to understanding the biological explanation of prenatal influences to brain differences especially also considering the fact that the Bible did not have much coverage on the subject matter. Stanton Jones wrote the third chapter which is on the integration view. He shares the same view as Myers; that both Christian theology and Psychology have something to contribute to each other and consequently should be integrated; an aspect that is contrary to Myers view that they should be separated. Christianity is God’s word and psychology is God’s work. Jones argues (page 101) that God’s sovereignty prevails over every facet of human life and that Christian psychologists should benefit from that. However, Jones also shares a common view as Myers with regards to the fact that the Bible does not address some issues adequately (page 101). Jones shares a personal testimony of the tension points that he struggled with in-between Christianity and Psychology. (103-104). Jones became more confused as he desired to be faithful to the Bible, yet, he could not argue with the result that he was actually learning a lot about human nature in Psychology and so through excl usion, he found himself blending both Psychology and Christian theology. The fourth chapter deals with Christian psychology and was co-authored by Roberts and Watson. They argue that understanding God which is revelation (general and special) should be the starting point for the development of psychological theories. These authors (page 155-156) argue that Christian sermons (using Jesus’ sermon on the Mount as an example) are aimed at helping people to live well; dealing with character and transformation of persons and that psychology also deals with how to live, and changing a person’s character with the aim of living well. They identify terminology as the only difference between both. They argue (page 157) that sermon conceptualises psychology. John Coe and Todd Hall co-authored this fifth chapter which deals with the transformational view. They set out, not to develop or defend a model but to shed light on their argument, (page 200) that psychology and Christianity are closely related and that psychology is only an expression of faith and love. This view is the view that has just been added in this edition making it five views. They argue (page 200) in favour of the process and methodology of psychology as a process to new ways of transforming people. This approach looks into the psychologist’s transformation (emotional and spiritual). David Powlison authored the sixth chapter which discusses a Biblical counselling view. He started with a very bold statement â€Å"Christian faith is a psychology†. Also that â€Å"Christian ministry is a therapy† These statements summarises his view. Powlison argues (page 245) that the Scriptures talks about thoughts and intentions of the heart. He further argues that God through the scriptures reveals how human beings should achieve their potentials and a clear change process of attaining such too. Powlison assumes a very new approach in his view; the approach is to delve into the meanings of the word â€Å"psychology† in the very context in which it is used. He argues (page 248) that obviously the meaning is relative. In a bid to drive home his argument, he develops sub themes; Psych 1 – 6. Psych 1 looks at how you work,; Psych 2 looks at the detailed knowledge of human functioning; Pych 3 looks at the competing theories of human personality; Psych 4 de als with the practical application to psychotherapy; Psych 5 looks at a system of professional and institutional arrangements and Psych 6 deals with a mass of ethos. Powlison was really keen on ensuring that his readers have a very clear understanding of his view and goes a step further with a case study as he argues (page 262) that looking at cases is the best way to understand psychological views including biblical counselling. Eric Johnson authored the seventh and closing chapter where he made reference to similar books that has multiple views on the same subject. According to him, this book helps to highlight the point that a group of people, and specifically Christians in this instance, have the same belief but varied perspectives even within the same belief. Johnson (page 293) uses Proverbs 12:15 to affirm that a wise man will be humbled, by that awareness of what he does not know. No one has absolute knowledge except God. He argues that because we are finite creatures, we are limited in terms of views but God is the omniscient observer. He further argues that the more views we are open to, the better our understanding will be, and he encourages his readers especially Christians to dialogue, engage, critique and integrate the strengths of these views as it will enhance their understanding and scope in other to develop their own â€Å"postformal synthesis† (page 309). There is something I found very fascinating about this book. I found out that each chapter have contributing responses from the perspective of the other authors highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the particular view in light of their own view. My thought. I think that the writing style is easy to read and understand. The chapters are logically laid out and concise and the literary genre is prose. The subsequent contributions from diverse perspectives to each chapter are not common and made it all seem like a conference, answering most questions that readers could have raised. I am the pastor of my local church; I encourage members through prayers, teaching, preaching and pastoral care, based on the Scriptures. I have found myself at crossroads in some contemporary issues which are similar to the observations of Myers and Jones, where they have found the Bible silent on some issues and inadequately addressing some other issues. This is one of my reasons of studying Counselling, and a book like this has opened me up to differing views highlighting both strengths and weaknesses of those views. This review has been an eye opener for me. CONCLUSION In conclusion, I consider the book well-structured as Johnson sets the stage with the historical background and after taking the five views, he borders the book at the end, encouraging scholars to critically and constructively engage to progress the work. Finally, I observe that Johnson claims (page 10) that the book is neutral and that the views represent the collective views of a majority of Christians. This is a very good claim but it would have been very good if he had gone a step further to substantiate his claim with data. However, overall, I consider this book to be of immense value to any Christian psychologists irrespective of their chosen model; it will open them up to differing views even within the Christian community of Psychotherapists. . I identify with Stanton Jones who authored the Integrative view and I will recommend this book to anyone who is seeking a clearer understanding of the integrative model of counselling. References: Chapman, C.N. (2007). Freud, Religion, and Anxiety. USA: Lulu.com. Page 41 Lutzer, E.W. (1998) Pastor to Pastor: Tackling the Problems of Ministry. USA: Kregel Publications. Page 72 Peter Emordi Psychology of Christian Counselling COU2001 1

Beyond Belief

In Deborah Lipstadts’ book Denying the Holocaust, author reveals the rising doubt about the different revelation during the war (specifically Second World War ). The author commences a deterring commission not just by exposing but also by introducing who and what are those that renounce such Holocaust. Admitting that even the tiniest shade of skepticism on the truth about the Holocaust are influenced by some powerful entities are indeed unacceptable. The occurrence of these Holocausts are considered and recognized by some.To some extent, the book is not seeking for an absolution as Lipstadt had said. The academe, the media and the public are gravely vulnerable to lies, and that is why the book serves as a caution to those who want to get into these entities. The book on Holocaust denial was written not just to provide a kind of authority for those who want to cover the truth behind these Holocausts but also to learn more about the skepticism which most people don’t mind asking about. Specifically, the author wrote about the growing Holocaust advocates and its corresponding effects on certain historical events.Up until now though the Second World War is over, the war on the truth behind the Holocausts is just beginnng. The author stresses more about the endeavors to refute the Nazi extermination of the Jews which is one of the crucial messages of it that is being disregarded. The authors’ purpose is to speak to the public through presentation as coherent a manner as probable the history of the beginning of the arguments of the deniers and the argument themselves. Lipstadt began this by introducing the start of the past traditions of revisionists in the 1900s.Then slowly into the current tussle, citing the varying â€Å"segments† of the rebuffed Holocausts plus the truth that the incident that has escalated in extent and strength ever since 1970s. Somehow, whenever an common folk who reads the book will be educated of the true type of these rebuffed Holocausts and be guarded for several indications of the impairing effect wherever. The crucial part of the book entirety is that it arranges a plain clear and familiar guide of how far the deniers have gone on attempting to renounce or clarify away the Nazis mayhem during Second World War.Nazis used preposterous propagandas that up until now, though the Germans had lost in the war, Nazism continues. The Jews were blamed in actual fact for all what the Nazis have done. What the Germans did, which â€Å"any country† would do for its own protection, were provoked by the Jews. Certain accusations were tossed to the Jews, like using the mass media as its main tool in exercising its authority and the media composed mostly of Jews will work together as brothers. That the Jews wanted to have the power over the world’s funds by using the Germany for Israel.Even the Germans themselves find these ideas absurd but still they used it in the war and find beneficial f or them during the war. In order to even out the Nazis violence with every different abuse done, the allied nations were directed by these propagandas. The deniers attempted to reveal that even though Nazis perpetrate crimes opposed to the Jews, they should not be singled out in perpetrating such crimes and for that reason they’re not the ones’ who must be blamed for these crimes ad they do not deserve special punishment at all.There were attempts to minimize the total of Jews killed to a much smaller than six million. Even though the facts are undeniable and the proofs are convincing of the deaths of millions of people in their account and in addition to the admission of Nazis on trial at Nuremberg, Holocaust deniers always find time rebuffing these actuality. The author herself is having hard time pointing out a lot of times all over the book the ambiguity of their assertions; it seems that the main peculiarity of these deniers constantly paying no attention to these presented facts.There are esteemed scholars that are now joining in the crew of defending those who were supposed to be interrogated. The author herself is alarmed by these scholars, because they’re not racist and not even a German in blood and may account for more advocates of Holocausts. The major composition of the book is mainly monographic which share out a great amount of information in a very simple and specific way so that even undergraduate students will easily understand the contents.Though monograph means a singe subject, the book itself does not only showcase a single subject but even broader ones. An absolute definition of the book is somewhat as well restrictive. The authors’ reliability for undertaking the issue is well-establish. Certain facts are supported with historical evidences. It gives more understanding beyond someone’s perspective of the reality of what once has affected the word we are living. . References Gingerich, Charity. 2006. Mon thly Column. Emory University. Leff, Laurel. 2005. The journal of American History. Cambridge University Pres.

Analysis of the Cultural Framework of Norway

All human beings are affixed to some form of cultural system which dictates the way they do things and how they relate to one another (Tavanti 106). These unwritten norms, beliefs and values are affixed firmly to a cultural framework which is a blue print that enables them to be expressed. Each community has got its own cultural framework which binds people who share a lot in common e. g. a nationality and live within a distinct boundary like for example a country. In instances where the country has a large geographical area or has a mixture of distinct races there could be an existence of more than one cultural framework. An example of a country like this is the United States which has got two distinct races: black and white existing side by side although each race has got its own cultural framework. No country in the world exists without its own unique national culture. This paper will attempt to examine the cultural framework of Norway using findings from a study carried out by renowned professor Geert Hofstede who has studied the cultural frameworks of various countries and communities in the world at large overtime. Hofstede studied the cultural framework of Norway and came up with five dimensions. These are Power Distance Index, Individualism, Masculinity, Uncertainty Avoidance Index, Long-Term Orientation (Hofstede). Hofstede describes masculinity as the opposite of femininity and in culture it refers to the roles that the males carry out as compared to the females in a community. This dimension by Hofstede shows what it means to be male or female in any community. Holland, Blair & Sheldon argue that in most of the western countries, masculinity is hegemonic while femininity is emphasized (Holland, Blair & Sheldon 7). The characteristics exhibited by masculine members of society are power, authority, competence on technical matters etc while feminine members of society are tied down more to fulfilling the desires of their masculine counterparts (Holland, Blair & Sheldon 7). Hofstede’ scale places Norway’s masculinity index low at around 5%. This is low compared to many countries e. g. Germany where the masculinity scale is 65 percent. This shows that compared to other countries the difference between the values of the males and females of the country is not very large and both of them are treated with almost an equal status. For instance in a country with a low masculinity index like Norway both the men and women can do similar jobs without people raising their eyebrows like babysitting or cooking. The girls are also educated to the same level as boys and the number of boys and girls who graduate from university are almost similar. The similarity though is that most of the females in the world are concerned with how they look while males are measured according to their achievements. Individualism refers to the degree to which members of a society operate as single sovereign entities and are treated as such. Hofstede adds that it is the opposite of collectivism where individuals live as a community. Or groups e. g. extended families that consist of several relatives e. g. grandfathers, uncles, in-laws, aunts etc. in the individualism index provided by Hofstede places the country at 62%. This shows that most of the people in Norway are used to living and being treated as individuals rather than a collection where people think on their own and pursue their dreams as individuals. Countries with high individualism scores like the United States are also the ones with the highest economic strengths. On the issue of individualism Ponderator argues that the advantages of living in a country with a high individualism index are the treatment of all people with equality, freedom and independence (Ponderator 23). Furthermore individualists are considered to be high achievers and are very competitive as compared to collectivists who work as a group as this slows down the progress of the group as whole. However with individualism cohesion between people of an individualistic country tends to loosen with time and families are the ones that are affected mostly. For instance high divorce rates exist in most of the western countries. Power distance index refers to the division of wealth and power between the members of a population of a country. Hofstede says that it also shows how unequal the societies of the world are in terms of wealth and power distribution and the fact that the people without power have come to accept that power and wealth distribution is indeed unequal. His findings place Norway’s power distance index at 25% which is relatively low compared to most of the countries. According to Moij, a low power distance index represents a society that has its people operating on almost the same economic levels as the governments try to focus on providing equal opportunities and rights to its citizens (Moij, 83). He further gives illustrations like for instance in high power distance index economies people attempt to dress as nicely as possible in that you can know the economic strength of people from their outfits. On the contrary in low power distance index economies people do not care too much on what they wear as they are the same. He also adds that a low power distance index country like Norway is as a result of high levels of education within its population. Moij defines uncertainty avoidance as the level of fear of uncertain occurrences happening to them through their instincts and the steps that they take to avoid these unplanned occurrences (Moij, 83). The results shown on Hofstede’s index show Norway’s uncertainty avoidance index at 45% which is just below the centre mark. Moij further adds on that countries with low uncertainty avoidance index are more open to change and innovation. They also do not seem to care much about the quality of food that they eat e. g. it is uncommon t find people insisting to drink mineral water when piped water is clean. They also do not care too much about their physical appearances and are less emotional and more tolerant (83). The fifth dimension is an addition to the first four and was part of Hofstede’s plan to find out the difference in thinking between the people who live in western countries and those who live in the east. This was after it was discovered that the east is developing rapidly in terms of business and economy and no information was available originally to explain the success of some countries from the east in innovations, business etc (Moij, 84) Norway’s long-term orientation is placed at a low of 20% which in essence means it is a short term orientation country. Characteristics of the population of Norway with respect to their orientation could be they respect their culture, appreciate presents and give back, protection of personal reputations etc. Conclusion The 5 cultural dimensions outlined by Professor Geerte Hofstede gave a good framework for studying the difference in cultures in the world. It shows why people uphold certain beliefs and even passing them through generations. This paper has evaluated a case study of Norway which is in Europe while at the same time comparing it with other countries to show the difference in cultures.