Bøker av PhD Thompson

Life is not fair. What does this reality imply about the nature of God and the destiny of human beings? In this engaging book, Thompson asserts that "fairness" is not an expectation of the faithful within the Judeo-Christian Scriptures. Biblical narrative discloses the mystery of a paradoxical deity that indwells with the suffering of creation and thereby provides a mercy that exceeds the evasive goal of fairness. The process of healing and redemption of this cracked creation occurs through the tears and suffering of the biblical God whose authentic power is revealed within divine vulnerability and weakness. The Jesus of history truly manifested the fullness of this paradoxical God, for he disclosed the richness of the divine Being by emptying himself and taking the form of a redemptive servant. When the church grasps for power and control, avoids compassionate and costly ministries among the poor and powerless, and renders primary focus upon gaining heavenly rewards, it rejects its Christ-centered mission, relinquishes its paradoxical purpose, and ceases to strive toward becoming an extension of the incarnation. Thompson explores various paradoxical facets of each person of the Trinity and richly illustrates with stories from his vast experience as a parish theologian.

...Join the author on this narrative and inspiring tour of principal Ogilvy's daily encounter with stress. His assistants, Ms Noodle and Mr Bishop, are astounded by the daily rigors and stress which they also endure mainly as a result of Ogilvy's leadership style, and in some cases situations that they unknowingly create. Their ability to lead was challenged by daily encounters with a faculty that was resistant to change. In response to a growing number of complaints from staff, parents, and at times the leadership team, the assistant superintendent finally scheduled stress management training for Ogilvy and his assistants. Ogilvy's leadership team was not pleased. Their perception of stress management training as being a 'touchy-feely' session was quickly changed when they met a facilitator who led them through a path of self discovery and awareness which forever changed the manner in which they led. They gained knowledge of stressors which resided in the school's culture; theoretical and practical approaches to addressing these stressors; and learned coping strategies which guided them in leading change in a dynamic manner. Eventually Manchester Elementary transformed into being a healthy learning environment conducive to student achievement, and a place that the entire faculty and staff enjoyed working.