Visualization* (consider the methods: synergy map, systems dynamics, and cognitive mapping)
At the Evangelical Outpost, Joe Carter posts a Family-First Conservative Manifesto. He states,
I believe that while ultimate sovereignty belongs to God alone, He delegates authority throughout society to various institutional structures (i.e., churches, businesses, the state, etc.). Naturally, these institutions are not immune to the effects of sin or human depravity but they still retain the legitimate authority given to them by our Creator. Although each of these institutions is important, the most essential is the family. My political philosophy could be called “family-first conservatism” for I believe that the institution of the family should be given pride of place in decisions about public policy.
Now, cognitively visualize this bit of information as it flows into another post by Joe, this time at FRC Blog, in which he points out a report which states,
higher levels of father involvement were associated with less aggressive and anti-social adolescent behavior, and partially accounted for the impact of family structure on adolescent behavior.
Considering the reported effects of family structure in conjunction with father involvement, it is no surprise to visualize the post by Albert Mohler, titled A Cry From the Heart of a Generation -- The Pain of Divorce. He links to an essay written by Kenneth Lowe, a university student, in which Lowe gives his account of the narcissism found in today's youth. Lowe writes,
If there's one thing I need no citation or research to prove, it's that our parents have done a pretty horrendous job bringing us up. I mean this as a whole, and not necessarily every single parent individually. And though I need no citation, I'll do it anyway, just to rub it in to those readers who disagree. According to a Jan. 16 New York Times article, 51 percent of U.S. women now live without a spouse.
...
Marry late, and marry once, and don't have kids until you can love them, nurture them, pay for them and teach them there is such a thing in life as two people who cannot be severed.
And now, through dynamic simulation, visualize Kirsten Powers reporting on Madonna, of all people, telling her 10 year-old daughter not to dress so provocatively. Powers writes,
The chickens are coming home to roost in the Madonna household. Apparently little Lourdes picked up the idea that flashing body parts is sexy.
The more things change, the more they stay the same. It would seem that living in the golden age has hardly improved our emotional well-being to the point where a child is unaffected by his parent's divorce. The structure of the family, as old as humanity itself, bestows upon us the solid foundation with which to build our future; a conclusion that even a strict naturalist must see. Yet, pragmatism aside, whether it be the heartfelt cry of a broken youth or the protective love of a concerned parent, we cannot escape, through chance or by will, the reality of our human experience.
* Joe Carter linked to a website which lists examples of Visualization Methods. This Periodic Table of Visualization Methods groups various visualization methods into the following categories: Data, Information, Concept, Strategy, Methaphor, and Compound. The properties of these visualization methods can help one approach an issue from more than one perspective, thereby providing an opportunity for one to see the manner in which multiple topics are related as well as seeing potential synergistic conclusions.
Periodic Table of Visualization Methods?? Good grief! There are too many left-brained people in the world...
;-)
Posted by: Bonnie | March 09, 2007 at 08:33 PM