Abstract This paper explores extensively the controversial George W. Bush's public policy called the "Faith-BasedInitiative", which seeks to support the work of faith-based organizations (FBOs) including allowing FBOs to compete on an equal footing with other social service providers in the receipt of federal grants. The author points out the ways Bush's faith-basedinitiatives have created public debate and clamoring criticism because of his public policy to end what he describes as "discrimination" against religion. The paper underscores the problems created by the widely varying interpretations of how exactly this new church and state partnership fits into the constitutional scheme. The paper analyzes several legal cases regarding this issue to support its discussion.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Charitable Choice and the Faith-BasedInitiative Defining Charitable Choice
Defining the Faith-BasedInitiative Charitable Choice's Danger to Beneficiaries and FBOs
Major Legal Issues Associated with the Faith-BasedInitiative The New Paradigm of Church and State Collaboration
Establishment Clause Issues
Employment Discrimination
Conclusion
From the Paper "Bush's proposal, however, differs significantly from the 1996 charitable choice laws and his plan's increased potential for entanglement has garnered concern and criticism from both secularist and religious organizations, albeit for different reasons. While secularists see a violation of the Establishment Clause as the most troubling result of entanglement, the religious communities fear loss of autonomy and government scrutiny. In fact, the President's own denomination, the United Methodist Church, has opposed his policy."
Tags: discrimination, government money, entanglement, charitable choice, hiring
This paper refutes the Presidency of George W. Bush based on his unsatisfactory performance regarding the war in Iraq, the faith-basedinitiative and the 'No Child Left Behind Act'.
Abstract This paper states that President George W. Bush's (1) foreign policy is overly ambitious, violent and disruptive to world peace; (2) faith-basedinitiative unravels years of social progress by reintroducing religion into the domain of politics and (3) the 'No Child Left Behind Act' leaves behind precisely those children it claims to help. The author bases this refutation of George W. Bush's presidency on the ideology of liberalism, which cannot stomach the war in Iraq because that war was a preemptive strike against a sovereign nation, cannot fathom a faith-basedinitiative that permits overt discrimination and cannot tolerate legislation like the 'No Child' Act because of its discrimination against underprivileged communities. The paper recommends that President Bush could do a far better job in the Oval Office by implementing some basic changes to his administration's ideology such as being more cooperative with the international community regarding matters of foreign policy.
From the Paper "Bush's 'No Child Left Behind Act' is no less frightening than the faith-based initiative. Hiding behind good intentions, the 'No Child Left Behind Act' fails to take into account a major factor: reality. Jim Donlevy notes, "It simply is not reasonable to continue to identify thousands of failing schools throughout the United States and then to see through to completion the sanctions written into the Act." The Act includes provisions for annual testing for schools, with progress requirements in core subjects such as English, math and science. "The idea is to be sure that all students are learning at higher standards. " However, the Act demands too much too soon. Forcing some schools to shut down due to substandard testing performance, the Act essentially discriminates against poor and underprivileged communities and the students that reside within them."
Abstract This paper takes a look at the transformation of IT-basedinitiatives and efforts into lasting, contributing and, valued line-of-business strategies. According to the paper, this is dependent on how companies approach changing everyday processes so they can be made more efficient and profitable given the IT investments made to make them more competitive. The paper goes on to discuss how, at the center of any successful business strategy is the ability of leaders, some in management others as de facto leaders, to initiate and sustain long-term change.
Outline:
Recommended Leadership Behaviors to Sustain Momentum
Evaluating the Elements of an Organization's Culture and their Influence on Implementation
Strategies for dealing with Organizational Culture
Post-Implementation Management Strategies
From the Paper "For lasting change to take place in any organization, and especially one that is promoting what had been many functional tools and applications only used internally to channel partners and distributors through a PRM system as General Electric had been doing prior to the implementation of these strategies, is at times perceived as a threat to their political power and importance of specific groups or organizations in the company. The perceived sacrifice of political power, importance and even value as an employee combine to create resistance to change, even if it means the company overall could grow in sales and ultimately profit employees personally as well. "
Abstract This paper takes an in-depth look at Florida's faith and character based correctional facilities - the largest in the United States. The author examines the accountability, legal and ethical considerations in addition to the political and stakeholder issues regarding these institutions in an attempt to discover a potential benefit for society or a potential harm in having a governmental agency run completely faith-and character-based institutions. The paper gives a brief history of the development of faith and character based correctional facilities and then discusses issues such as accountability, legal and ethical considerations and political and stakeholder issues.
Outline:
Introduction / Basic Organizational Information
A Basic Background and History
Accountability
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Political and Stakeholder Issue
In summary
References
From the Paper Lawety was established as a Faith-and Character-Based Correctional Institution for men on December 24, 2003 and has a bed capacity of 835, making it the first Faith-and Character-Based Correctional Institution in the country. However, of importance is that by this time the Florida Department of Corrections had already been operating 10 Faith-and Character-Based Dormitories in several of their prisons. Florida Department of Corrections [FDC-E], Nd.; Florida Department of Corrections [FDC-F], Nd.). Hillsborough was created on April 14, 2004 for women with a housing capacity of 292 beds, and Wakula was created on March 1, 2006 with a bed capacity of 1,756 for men. (id).
Tags: crime prison faith correctional institution florida, jeb bush, society police
Abstract The paper examines Kubler-Ross' work "Death: The Final Stages of Growth" and her premise that denial of death is the central paradigm that creates the conflict between science and religion. The paper discusses how Kubler-Ross uses religious explanations of death to help unify her theory that more social and faith-basedinitiatives can help a death-denying society accept death as part of life.
From the Paper "Kubler-Ross's analysis relies on varying different social backgrounds that define death through a religious perspective. In many cases, accounts from different religious organizations and belief systems are used to bring death to the forefront of American society and its denial of death. Kubler-Ross's background in the medical profession often elucidates this problem through the institutions of doctor, family, and social denial of death in her own experiences."
An analysis of how non-governmental organizations and faith-based activities can combine to improve the quality of life of elderly residents in Northwestern Indiana.
Abstract This paper discusses the concept and importance of volunteers in caring for the elderly. It describes the author's background in undertaking volunteer activities within Northwest Indiana and relates it to a large picture of how NGO (non-governmental organizations) and faith-based activities can combine to improve the quality of life for area residents. The paper also addresses specific concerns within the context of Northwestern Indiana, which has substantially different demographic imperatives than neighboring areas, such as South Bend, Chicago Metropolitan and the southwest suburbs of Chicago.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Nationwide Demographic Trends
Specific Demographics in Northwest Indiana
Specific Social Welfare Problems of the Aging
Depression
Compliance with Medical Regimens
Assisted Living Needs
Providing for Social Welfare Needs
Non-governmental Providers
Faith-based Efforts
St. Francis Healthcare Services
Catholic Charities of Gary and Lake County
Social Welfare for Seniors: A Significant Gap in Care
Conclusion
From the Paper "This network of Catholic healthcare facilities established throughout the Midwest works through its subsidiary, St. Margaret Mercy Hospital. As noted above, there is relatively little aid for seniors with significant mental and physical problems after they leave the hospital. St. Margaret Mercy focuses on patients who are based at home, but may need to have volunteers who take responsibility for the unmet psychological and social needs of elderly residents who may not have a family infrastructure.
"As we've seen above, basic needs beyond acute hospital care may be ignored amongst older patients. The St. Margaret Mercy program takes advantage of the new VAS (Advocates for Seniors Program) structure established in the State of Indiana to have volunteers spend time with, evaluate, and, when needed, represent the health and psychological interest of elderly residents."
Abstract This paper will discuss the Kierkegaard's thinking on both theology and faith. It will be argued that at the heart of his discussion of both issues is his critique of the inherent weaknesses of traditional theology. It will be seen that Kierkegaard perceived the damage that modern theology - rooted in Scriptural textual analysis - was capable of inflicting upon Christianity. Thus, Kierkegaard argues for a faithbased upon paradox and belief instead of reason or theology. The significance of this perspective is that it allows for the existence of faith in a secular age where textually foundationed theology is no longer capable of survival as a coherent tradition.
Abstract The paper evaluates strategies within the correctional system and their effectiveness in influencing offender behaviors. The paper presents research on substance abuse, educational programs, community-based and faith-based programs and programs geared to successfully acclimating offenders to a world outside of prison. The paper also explains the research's implications for policy and practice.
Outline:
Abstract
Problem
Purpose
Goal and Objective
Relevant Literature
Research and Design Methods
Implications for Policy and Practice
Dissemination Strategy
From the Paper "Drug abuse does not end after an offender is released from prison and is under community supervision. To the contrary, drug-using felons constitute a majority of offenders committing crimes while under community supervision. "Evidence has been consistent in demonstrating that successful substance abuse treatment not only reduces alcohol and other drug use, but also reduces criminal activity" (Wilkinson). Therefore, treatment that targets eliminating substance abuse is a valuable tool for reducing criminal activity and other social problems associated with substance abuse."
Abstract This paper examines the problems and their causes currently facing Faith Community Hospital. First, the paper suggests that the lack of clarity in the mission statement allows for it to be interpreted from many different perspectives, with such interpretations then influencing and determining the manner in which medical care and services are offered and received. The paper next suggests that there is also a lack of clarity amongst board members and staff regarding legal and policy mandates, which the hospital must adhere to in order to protect itself as well as its? patients. A third significant problem identified is that the hospital does not have an established specialization or identity. Finally, the paper looks at the problem of decreasing patients. Included in the discussion of each problem is a recommendation for resolving it.
From the Paper "There is lack of consensus and understanding amongst the Board of Directors, health and medical staff, and patients of the differences between values and ethics, and how each of these influences medical practices. The basis of this confusion and lack of clarity appears to be the result of the mission statement of Faith Community Hospital which emphasizes the role of spiritual values and beliefs in directing medical care. No one spiritual faith is adhered to or largely represented amongst board members, staff and patients. Thus, such diversity in spiritual and religious backgrounds leads to massive opportunities for the mission statement to be interpreted from many different perspectives, with such interpretations then influencing and determining the manner in which medical care and services are offered and received. Lack of clarity in the mission statement leads to lack of clarity in purpose and fails to provide a clear and concise foundation upon which the hospital builds its? identity and determines its? daily practices and operations. Currently, the mission statement is such that it allows for the board of directors, the staff and patients to use their own personal/professional identities as well as values, ethics and beliefs as the basis for decision-making."
Abstract This paper outlines why a change management initiative informed by Value Based Management theory is one that stands to benefit a generic retailer interested in improving the fiscal bottom line. The paper briefly discusses what value based management theory is and looks at how the theory allows an organization to isolate value drivers that can determine long term success or failure.
From the Paper "Management theories are always evolving and new ones are emerging, literally, every day. For example, there are management theories for dealing with different people within an organization, theories for dealing with crisis or with change, and theories dealing with acquisition integration and with organizational entrepreneurialism. In spite of this, a case can be made that value-based management (VBM) is as good a theory as exists for balancing an organization's management needs with "bottom-line" effectiveness. With that in mind, the following paper will explore the implementation of a change management initiative (within a hard goods retail organization) that focuses upon revitalizing the organizational warehouse, delivery and gross margin performance of the corporation using value-based management theory. "
Abstract This paper examines activity based costing (ABC) which is an effective business management tool that will enhance and support a total quality management (TQM) environment. ABC analysis provides the information necessary to make business decisions such as determining if investments in efficiency initiatives, such as just in time (JIT), are warranted. When implementing ABC, management should use proven project management methodology to minimize the risk of failure. ABC is an effective total quality management tool, and supports just-in-time manufacturing methods in several companies as detailed in the paper.
From the Paper "After developing ABC in the 1980?s, Robin Cooper and Robert S. Kaplan have written extensively about its benefits (Shih-Jen & Holinda, p. 46). ABC is defined as a "costing system that identifies the various activities performed in a firm and uses multiple cost drivers"to assign overhead (or indirect costs) to products? (Siegel and Shim 2000, p. 15). ABC seeks to accumulate and allocate factory overhead costs to products (or services) by using focused drivers, such as, quality inspecting, moving, assembly, and matching (Warren, 2002, p. 328). Proponents of ABC cite many examples where cost accuracy is superior to traditional costing methods that use cost bases such as units produced, labor, or machine hours used (Warren, p. 421). "
Abstract This paper explores the meaning and use of mysticism in the religious faiths of Christianity and Islam. The author shows the reader how mysticism impacts the faiths and allows the reader to explore the truth of the existence within the faith.
From the Paper "Around the world the religious faiths of people can be a powerful motivator for living a life free from anger and sin. Many people live their life according to a doctrine that they take to be truth based on little more than their own personal faith that the religion exists as does the higher power that the faith has been build upon. Mysticism in both faiths plays an important role. It guides the followers many times when the only thing they have is their faith. However, even though mysticism is woven into each faith it is used, viewed and believed in different ways."
Abstract This research examines the concept of faithfulness as it relates to religion. The research sets forth the context for looking at the religious principles that reflect moral character and then discusses how faithfulness to God's principles reflects a commitment to moral thought and action, as well as a faith and trust in God.
From the Paper "The life of faith might seem to involve a simple idea about belief in God, but in fact faith is a very complex concept. The term is used in various ways in the Christian tradition. There is of course the famous statement of Jesus when he calms the storm in the sea of Galilee: "Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?" (Matt. 8:26). In that context, faith is to be interpreted as the equivalent of absolute trust, or more specifically, the equivalent of man's unquestioned trust in God. The spiritual experience of trust is thereby interpreted as the actual experience of faith. This idea is also in the background of Paul's injunction to the Corinthians, in his discourse about how the first-century Christian community ought to behave: "God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it (I Cor. 10.13). Psalm 91 makes a similar point, characterizing the Lord as "my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust . . . He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler." In The Book of Common Prayer, the latter line of the Psalm runs thus: "his faithfulness and truth shall be thy shield and buckler." The slight difference in the meaning of faith conveyed in these various contexts is that faith is not a one-way street, inasmuch as those who do have faith are said to be able to rely on God's good will and/or providence in situations of moral uncertainty."
Abstract A comprehensive analysis of the legality of parents denying their children access to health care on the basis of their involvement in a "faith healing" religion such as Christian Science or Faith Tabernacle. The paper explains that for some residents of the United States, traditional medicine is not religiously acceptable in the face of sickness. On the contrary, these residents are so strongly against medicine that they will not even allow their children to see a doctor if they suffer from life threatening illnesses. It discusses how many followers of these religions are denying the use of traditional medicine and joining a movement that shies from what society considers the norm for treating sickness by putting their belief in God's ability to heal their family's illnesses. The paper argues however, that parents' religious convictions about the disuse of any type of medicine for their children should not be allowed as a legal means of denying their children this medicine because these convictions often cause the needless deaths and suffering of many children whom medical care would have helped.
From the Paper "For centuries America has debated to what extent church and state should be separated. More recently the argument about the disuse of medical treatment for religious reasons and the resulting deaths of the children of certain religious organization's followers has arisen. Since the seventeenth century when settlers came to America to escape religious persecution and seek religious freedom, the issue of separation of church and state has been in debate (Council 1). However, not all religions were given equal rights before the Bill of Rights was created: in Boston anyone preaching outside the established church could be fined or banned from the settlement (Weiss 11). Also, in areas that practiced South Anglicanism, those who spoke out against the Christian faith were sentenced to death (Weiss 11). However, the first amendment to the American Bill of Rights, which was passed in September of 1789, changed these discriminatory practices on a federal level and caused less religious discrimination to occur (Weiss 31). This amendment states: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof" (Bartlett 3). This amendment did not, however, guarantee the protection of United States citizens from state religious discrimination; but the fourteenth amendment, which was passed at a later date, did (Weiss 32). Opponents for and against parents' rights to deny their child medical care based on religious convictions are eager to solve the question of the relationship of church and state and the necessity of parents to obtain medical care as required by state governments. This issue has thus become a pressing argument that must be solved quickly because many children's lives are at stake."
