Teamwork Turmoil - 985 Words

TEAMWORK TURMOIL: A Case Study Conflict is inevitable and at times stimulates beneficial or creative thinking. Often conflict is a signal that people are miscommunicating and making different assumptions about what has gone unspoken. The conflict in itself is not the problem. It is the team’s reactions to it that determines the impact, thus causing it to be a negative experience. Conflict or divergence can be destructive or it can be constructive. It is up to the people involved in the conflict to manage the outcome. This gives them an opportunity to articulate their assumptions and figure out a way to come to agreement. In a learning team situation, conflict can arise when the original agreement to work together does not address†¦show more content†¦Delery avoided the conflicts among the group by remaining unusually silent through much of the class and by changing the subject when Prasad and Griffin began to argue. Avoiding or denying the existence of the conflict does not cause it to go away. However, there are times when avoidance is appropriate in the team situation. When the situation gets out of control and emotions are running high, avoidance may be the best approach. Delery gives in and accommodates the others idea to continue the takeaways. This approach is appropriate when the person accommodating does not view the matter as important, or when it is for the group harmony than for an individual perspective on the topic to prevail. Ideally the team would collaborate to find a resolution that satisfies the needs of everyone involved. It requires creative and cooperative efforts. The biggest roadblock to collaboration usually is the amount of time and energy it requires. Collaboration is generally effective when the team has sufficient time to fully explore the needs, perspectives, and preferences of all team members, and when 100% commitment from each person is needed to accomplish team goals (Wisinski 1993). Not everyone on this team is totally committed to the process. The mentor of this group has not provided them with the guidance to manage their conflicts. For this situation, it is best to reschedule the team meeting so that people can collect their thoughts, approach theShow MoreRelatedTeam Turmoil Essay889 Words   |  4 PagesCase Analysis Team Turmoil The current situation and existed issues of the learning team Only three weeks into the MBA program at a famous school in the eastern United States, a learning team was in trouble. Teamwork turmoil impaired the team atmosphere and hindered progress. Especially on one night group study, the problem boiled over. Some members just benefited from others’ efforts and easily gained key points. Others were occupied with their personal lives instead of workRead MoreThe Principles Of Healthcare Governance925 Words   |  4 PagesThe Board on occasion does not necessarily pay much attention when it involves structure, they think that everything is covered in the bylaws and requires no further comment (Arnwine, 2002). Within the healthcare sector there has been an array of turmoil pertaining to making changes in healthcare when it involves clinical and corporate governance. Because, of having no knowledge of its aspects and how to properly implement it into the organization. In order to improve on this the roles and responsibilitiesRead MoreHealt h And Health Development Of The Health Sector Essay1634 Words   |  7 Pageseffective. CONCEPT 7: TEAMWORK IN NURSING This is corporative effort by the members of a group of a team to achieve a common goal. (I) SIGNIFICANCE OF TEAMWORK IN NURSING: - It helps in improving relationship within workers in the health sector. - It helps to appropriate delegation of work. - It helps in proper nursing care and meeting with health care of patient. - It helps for easy referral to the other health team. (II) IMPLEMENTATIONAL ACTIVITES RELATED TO TEAMWORK - Utilizing resources toRead MoreOvercoming Challenges Of The Honors College At Villanova910 Words   |  4 Pagesclass. Learning is a lifelong process. People are always growing and changing, much like a seed. Education, through questioning, waters the seed and helps it grow and flourish. Having an open-mind is a quintessential element of leadership and teamwork, which both make up authenticity. A leader needs to be accountable for his decisions to gain the respect of those that he is leading. Often times, brilliant people get too caught up in their own ideas and become consumed with their own hubris.Read MoreSocial and Ethical Values of Teamwork and Diversity: the Benefits of Diverse Teams1263 Words   |  6 PagesSocial and Ethical Values of Teamwork and Diversity: The Benefits of Diverse Teams Organizational development between diverse teams gives the MNC the opportunity to enter new markets and develop new products, in ways that they would not have been able to if they did not have a diverse, multicultural perspective. The benefits to individuals and society are profound. There are ethical implications for being a good corporate sponsor: by this I mean that there is a potential for a win-win situationRead MoreEssay about Black Hawk Down: Leave No Man Behind1026 Words   |  5 Pagesfamine, food deprived, starving, and lifeless Somalia civilians. The soldiers are beckoned into battle and immediately bombarded by rounds of fire from the militia and the soldiers instantly realize this is going to be a long and agonizing battle. As turmoil strikes and American soldiers begin to fall, the men begin to fight in the name of brotherhood—they fight to stand by their fellow soldiers in arms. This camaraderie in the film is symbolized by the soldiers’ efforts to ma ke sure all of the men areRead MoreNetflix, Inc. : Case Study Essay1360 Words   |  6 Pagesthis market in a broad way. The competition in this industry intensifies day-by-day. as a result of this, Netflix have to prepare for a tough future and it needs to go back to the drawing board to draft strategies that will help it sail through this turmoil. The company has also to make very rational decisions regarding either distribute movies widely or to narrow down to specifics which could be profitable. Strengths Though the company faces problems and others are impending to come, still thereRead MoreHidden Figures Character Analysis719 Words   |  3 PagesTriumph Over Turmoil The movie Hidden Figures, which was first a book by Margot Lee Shetterly, is filled with truth and the real facts of what happened in the 1960s space race. Not many people know about the African-American women in NASA’s mission of getting a man into space. This story follows the lives of three black women who defied the odds and hurdled the obstacles to complete their task. They had fewer privileges for their race and fewer still because they were women. All the other workersRead MoreSir Richard Branson Case Study1743 Words   |  7 Pagesobstacles in life and business. 2. Using an entrepreneurial style allows and encourages innovation. 3. Teamwork. List of Alternatives 1. Obstacles: a. Surrender. b. Compromise. c. Challenge. 2. Innovation: a. Accept that no change necessary or possible. b. Purchase established business and create change internally. c. Start an alternative solution to create competition. 3. Teamwork: a. Authoritative. b. Structured hierarchy environment. c. Collaboration. Analysis of Alternatives ObstaclesRead MoreConflict In Animal Farm883 Words   |  4 Pagespeople in power will stop at no limits to remain in control. The re-shaping of society is ultimately the catalyst for conflict. Through conflict, greater connections can be formed and strengthened, allowing an individual to reconcile with inner turmoil. Edward Zwick’s historical film Glory explores the hardships and triumphs that the 54th Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. The Regiment consisted of black freemen and escaped slaves lead by white commanders, these men were the first coloured

Fraud Risk Assessment - 1083 Words

3/5/2013 | | Fraud Risk Assessment | | Fraud Risk Assessment | Fraud risk assessment is a process intended at proactively identifying and addressing an organization’s vulnerabilities to internal and external fraud. The fraud risk assessment is more of an art than a science. Every organization is different therefore what gets evaluated and what is assessed depends on the organization. Fraud risk assessments are an ongoing, continuous process rather than just an activity. A fraud risk assessment first starts with the identification and prioritization of fraud risks that exist in the business. The process evolves as the results of identified risks and then begins to drive education, communication, organizational†¦show more content†¦A good fraud risk assessment is one that fits within the culture of the organization. Fraud risk assessments should be sponsored and supported by the right people, encourages everyone to openly participate, and is generally embraced throughout the business as an important and valuable process. There are eight key elements to conducting a good fraud risk assessment. First, in the collaborative effort of management and auditors, a fraud risk assessment is most effective when management and auditors share ownership of the process and accountability for its success. Second, the right sponsor is someone who is willing to hear the goo d, bad, and ugly. The sponsor plays a key role in ensuring the success and effectiveness of a fraud risk assessment. Third, a good fraud risk assessment can be effectively conducted by people inside the organization or by using an external resource. It is critical that the people leading and conducting the fraud risk assessment remain independent and objective throughout the assessment process. Fourth, individuals conducting and leading the fraud risk assessment need to have a good working knowledge of business. To ensure a good working knowledge of the business, the fraud risk assessor should know the purpose of the business and how it operates. Fifth, the perceptions of people at all levels are important in the fraud risk assessment. Sixth,Show MoreRelatedThe Common Types Of Health Care Fraud1231 Words   |  5 Pages 1) What is the HIPPA definition of fraud? Give an example of fraud. a. The HIPPA definition of fraud is: i. â€Å"Knowingly, and willfully executes or attempts to execute a scheme...to defraud any healthcare benefit program or to obtain by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, or promises any of the money or property owned by...any healthcare benefit program†. ii. One of the most common types of health care fraud occurs when there is a misrepresentation of provided services, due toRead MoreInvestigating The Auditor s Responsibility1731 Words   |  7 Pagesmemo is to describe the auditor s responsibility to consider fraud in financial statements by following eight steps to make sure the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The memo begins with an elaboration of fraud and the concepts related to it. A list of the steps is then provided before finally giving an outline of the various generic red flags of fraud that can act as a lead to the auditor in identifying fraud. Fraud is misappropriation and misuse of the company s assets, revenuesRead MoreRisk And Control Self Assessment833 Words   |  4 PagesAfter a risk and control self-assessment, Company XYZ finds that their operational losses are greater than expected. The company defines operational losses based on losses largely from fraudulent automobile accident personal injury claims. With this finding, Company XYZ has decided to commit the necessary resources to reinforce and strengthen their operational risk program. However, with the currently in place special investigations unit (SIU) that is responsible for investigating claims of potentialRead MoreBusiness Risks And Business Risk1408 Words   |  6 PagesBusiness Risk is an uncertainty that is affiliated with a particular circumstance that could affect business operation or cause financial insecurities for the company. Business risk assessment is the process of determining whether a particular uncertain circumstance has the potential to threaten your business operations (Schwartz and Chandler, 2012). In the competitive market, it is important that businesses assess the risk regularly and respond with a sound reaction to be successful. Small businessesRead MoreThe Prospect And Challenges Of Cyber Security Insurance922 Words   |  4 Pagesbusinesses, financial institutions as well as their customers. However, this reliance towards online transactions has brought cyber risks such as fraud, identity thefts as well as cyber attacks. Biener, Eling Warfs (2015) defined cyber risk as a multitude of risks from different sources that affect the information and technology assets of a firm. Cyber attacks and cyber risks are well documented in many articles such as Kim-Kwang (2011) Kolodzinski (2002), which reported on cyber threats faced by businessesRead MoreFraud Risks Of The Internet Of Things Will Challenge Manufactures, Installers And Users1103 Words   |  5 PagesFraud risks in the Internet of Things will challenge manufactures, installers and users! Fraudsters are developing increasingly more effective techniques to get what they want from services and products. The Internet of Things (IoT) will be no exception. Today s world, increasingly connected, is introducing a wide range of commercial elements in everyday objects, from cars to our barbecue grills. However, the reality of whether we are ready to embrace the concept of IoT and enjoy it to its fullestRead MoreAudit Planning Memo : Risk Assessment1354 Words   |  6 PagesAudit Planning Memo Inherent Risk Assessment 1) Profitability: The bank that issued Overlook Video’s (OVS) loan to fund their expansion is now concerned about the company’s profitability. This may mean that OVS is in danger of breaching any loan covenants that exist and may have trouble obtaining future financing. This may motivate OVS to window dress their financial statements to enhance performance. 2) Rapid change in demand of inventory: Demand for DVDs drops by 75% [((5-20)/20)*100%)] overRead MoreA Report On Suntrust Bank943 Words   |  4 Pageshave been tasked to conduct a risk assessment repot on an organization of their choice as part of their INFA 610 project. 1.1 Purpose The purpose of this risk assessment is to examine and identify the threats and vulnerabilities on SunTrust’s IT infrastructure. The NIST- Special Publication 800-30 methodology will be utilized to in identifying the threats and vulnerabilities. 1.2 Scope The scope of this risk assessment will be examining the IT infrastructure risk posted to SunTrust Bank in regardsRead MoreInternal Control and Risk Evaluation1223 Words   |  5 PagesINTERNAL CONTROL AND RISK EVALUATION PAPER ACCOUNTING 542 INTERNAL CONTROL AND RISK EVALUATION PAPER Many businesses are concerned with information technology risks. Many organizations are concerned with different types of risk and attempt to control risk as they are assessed. In order to control risk, organizations must create control environments that set the tone of employee awareness and promote operational efficiency. One attempt to control risk is through risk assessment. The purposeRead MoreInternal Control And The Treadway Commission1452 Words   |  6 Pagesevery organization wants to ask and knows the answer. Control environment is the first criteria for achieving effective internal control. It is one of the five components of internal control. The other four components of internal control are risk assessment, control activities, information and communication, and monitoring. The control environment of an organization is the attitude/tone set by the management toward internal control and control consciousness maintained by the management and the employee

Psychology Commitment Absenteeism Turnover â€Myassignmenthelp.Com

Question: Discuss About The Psychology Commitment Absenteeism Turnover? Answer: Introducation The essay provides a brief overview of attitude and behavior of different people and it also explains that how the behavior of a person is influenced by the other people existing in their surroundings. Additionally, the essay tells about the significance of attitude of a persona along with the organization. The behavior of the people which they assert in the professional environment is influenced by their attitudes. Supposing if a person has a negative outlook toward other coworkers existing in the workplace, then it will affect the attitude of that particular person; their behavior will change towards them. Also, the fact shall be noticed that attitude of a person contributes to their behavior at the workplace. The attitudinal aspect helps a person to measure and analyze the seriousness of s a person towards their work (Luthans, Luthans, and Luthans 2015). In many pieces of research it has been found that attitude is an intangible and imaginary concept which drives changes in the behavior of people. Thus, in a workplace people should focus on their attitudes as a change in attitude can reflect the growth of an organization as well. A positive attitude will initiate positivity in the nature/ behavior of a person which will motivate the person to perform more tasks competently whereas on the other hand negative attitude will initiate negative though in the behavior of the person which will demotivate them leading to decrease in efficiency. Further, the attitude of person highly depends upon social and behavioral norms and rules (Giauque 2015). There are many circumstances under which a person becomes capable to determine the behavior of a person at a workplace. The manager of the organization needs to be attentive in order to identify the actual attitude of an employee of the organization. The work attitude of a person gives clues to the manager that who will perform better and who has the potential to excel just need to change attitude (Ritz, et al., 2014). The attitude and behavior share a unique relationship which affects all the activities of a person which perform during their course of action. Thus, if in an organization the manager wants to get aware regarding the behavioral change in a person, then they need to determine the attitude of them. Attitudes are the opinions, beliefs, and aspects which prevail in a person mind relating to the environment and the people. The attitude determines the behavior of a person at work in many different situations. Like, when the distribution of work is made in the organization, at that very moment the attitude of people can be identified by the manager (Azanza, Moriano and Molero 2013). If the employees come up together to perform the task, then I can be said that their behavior is driven by positive attitude whereas if nobody shows up and assumes that the manager will not assign them a duty, and then negative attitude will show up in the behavior of the person. Thus, the fact shall be understo od that behavior is highly influenced by the attitude of the person. And the behavior of a person highly affects the ongoing activities in the organization. So, the manager shall aptly look after, understand and take care of the attitude of people to initiate the easy flow of work (Hlsheger, etl al., 2013). In the personal context, it shall be known that attitude extremely affects the activities of a person which they perform in the day to day life. Attitude is the most important thing which helps and support people to achieve the success they have wished. A good attitude is a personal asset of a person, it helps them to understand thins better, adopt changes easily and manage workflow in a team.it acts as one of the most important factors which helps an individual to overcome the highs and lows in life. Since it is known that attitude is one of the most important which helps a person to coupe up with the atrocities of life, thus it is an important factor which determines the growth and success of a person in professional as well as personal life (Pinder 2014). Attitude helps a person to judge and create an opinion about people and other things prevailing in the environment. The attitude is affected by many things and activities as well. But any change in behavior or one's personality h as a reason and that reason is analyzed by the mind on the basis of the attitude. Like, if a person has experienced some sad happenings around the ocean, then they will automatically develop a negative attitude towards the event happening around the ocean. Therefore, if any opportunity comes them near the ocean, then they will envy it and assume it to be fake on the basis of their attitude. Thus in this way, the attitude affect the behavior of the person and initiate success in their life (Mowday, Porter, and Steers 2013). Job satisfaction refers to the feeling which a person possesses towards their job. Job satisfaction is one of the import aspects which determine the behavior of the employee in the organization. it refers to the satisfaction level which employees during their job period. On the basis of their satisfaction level achieved the employee work in an organization, this shows that higher the satisfaction more efficiency in the work and vice versa. On the other hand, organizational commitment refers to the emotional attachments which the employees gain towards their job and the organization with time (Chun, etl al., 2013). This factor also provides assistance to the organization in receiving efficiency. It shall be known that more the employees like their workplace environment and job, more they are motivated to work and provide maximum benefit to the organization. It shall be noted that both the factors directly or indirectly help the organization in achieving greater satisfaction; they over lap each other as if an employee is happy with their job, and they will get motivated and more committed towards the objective of the organization. An organization shall track such attitudes of the employees as they are directly associated with the outcomes the company received from the implementation of the business process (Fu, and Deshpande 2014). Solely none of the factors has worked for the organization in achieving the desired satisfaction level, but the combination of both helped the organization in achieving the objectives. The employee's attitude towards these two factors (job satisfaction and organizational commitment) has acted as an indicator to the cohesion between the members of the organization and the management. Job satisfaction is a determinative factor of the organizational commitment. But the main point of difference between both the factors is that organizational commitment is the emotional response which the employees have toward the particular organization in which they work and job satisfaction is the emotional response which the employees possess to any job which they perform (Hogg, and Terry 2014). Apart from that, the two factors are highly interrelated with each other and assist each other in maximizing the benefits received by the organization. In regards to the growth of the organization, it is manda tory for the manager to initiate adequate communication in the organization and look after the organizational commitment which the employees possess in the organization. It is a wider term which shall be understood by all, it is the level of affection which an individual develops in their attitude for the organization with time. Further, it is the duty of the manager to look after the attitude of each employee of the organization and determine their organizational commitment, because if the employees of the organization to their particular organization then the company might face in its working. Like, if some price sensitive information is delivered to the employees and the employees are not loyal/ committed to the company, then there might be a risk that the employees can the information which can negatively affect the growth of the organization. Another way that if the employees are highly motivated and committed to the organization then, their attitude will change positively and they will initiate activities which will positively affect the growth of the organization (Dhar 2015). Further, it shall be noted that all these factors depends upon the attitude of the employees and affect their behavior in positive or negative way. So, if the manager takes initiative to resolve the problems of employees and provide them greater satisfaction in their job, then the employees can become more committed towards the organization. Employees being the most important asset of the organization shall drive the organization in the right direction otherwise the company can lose its pace. Thus, in the limelight of above-mentioned events, it shall be noted that attitude of employees affects the change in the behavior of them in an organization (DuBrin 2013). Also, the fact shall be taken into account that job satisfaction and organizational commitment are the two most important factors which affect and has the power to change the attitude an employee in an organization. All these factors are interlinked with each other and somehow emphasize the growth of an organization in the glo bal environment. So, the manager shall always initiate to provide maximum satisfaction to employees and keep them committed to the organization to gain better results. References Azanza, G., Moriano, J.A. and Molero, F., 2013. Authentic leadership and organizational culture as drivers of employees job satisfaction. Revista de Psicologa del Trabajo y de las Organizaciones, 29(2), pp.45-50. Chun, J.S., Shin, Y., Choi, J.N. and Kim, M.S., 2013. How does corporate ethics contribute to firm financial performance? The mediating role of collective organizational commitment and organizational citizenship behavior. Journal of Management, 39(4), pp.853-877. Dhar, R.L., 2015. Service quality and the training of employees: The mediating role of organizational commitment. Tourism Management, 46, pp.419-430. DuBrin, A.J., 2013.Fundamentals of organizational behavior: An applied perspective. Elsevier. Fu, W. and Deshpande, S.P., 2014. The impact of caring climate, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment on job performance of employees in a Chinas insurance company. Journal of Business Ethics, 124(2), pp.339-349. Giauque, D., 2015. Attitudes toward organizational change among public middle managers. Public Personnel Management, 44(1), pp.70-98. Hogg, M.A. and Terry, D.J. eds., 2014. Social identity processes in organizational contexts. Psychology Press. Hlsheger, U.R., Alberts, H.J., Feinholdt, A. and Lang, J.W., 2013. Benefits of mindfulness at work: The role of mindfulness in emotion regulation, emotional exhaustion, and job satisfaction. Journal of Applied Psychology, 98(2), p.310. Luthans, F., Luthans, B.C. and Luthans, K.W., 2015. Organizational behavior: An evidence-based approach. IAP. Mowday, R.T., Porter, L.W. and Steers, R.M., 2013. Employeeorganization linkages: The psychology of commitment, absenteeism, and turnover. Academic press. Pinder, C.C., 2014. Work motivation in organizational behavior. Psychology Press. Ritz, A., Giauque, D., Varone, F. and Anderfuhren-Biget, S., 2014. From leadership to citizenship behavior in public organizations: When values matter. Review of Public Personnel Administration, 34(2), pp.128-152.

The Sovereignty of God and Freewill of Man free essay sample

CONTENTS Introduction†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 1 The Anchors of Stability.. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 2 Foreknowledge As Hinge†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 3 What Shall We Say To These Things? †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 7 Do Sovereignty And Foreknowledge Diminish Freedom To Counter Choices? †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 8 Conclusion†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 10 Bibliography†¦.. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦14 Introduction While the pendulum of opinion among evangelicals concerning the degree to which created man is free under the sovereign God revealed in the bible continues to swing between views that virtually eliminate either man’s freewill or God’s sovereignty, the Scripture teaches that both exist in such a way that neither is diminished. In man’s grappling with this seeming paradox in an attempt to understand, some untether their definitions of God and His attributes from traditional understandings and biblical teaching. Others, remaining tethered to the bible, create explanations that emphasize one aspect (man’s free will or God’s sovereignty) in a way that is extra-biblical. That God is sovereign is biblical. That man is held accountable and commanded to exercise his will is also biblical. We will write a custom essay sample on The Sovereignty of God and Freewill of Man or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The meaning of these concepts is important. While their meaning has been bantered about through the years, consistent understandings of certain attributes of God’s have served as a stability stake of position. Among these attributes are knowledge, simplicity, wisdom, immutability, infinity and timelessness, though this is not an exhaustive list. Whatever conclusion is reached must adhere to a conservative view of these attributes’ definitions. Otherwise, the base source, the Bible, becomes inadequate, untrustworthy and anyone’s opinion is equally valid. Instead, the Bible’s authority is unquestioned, and the conclusion will have to hold to both God’s sovereignty and man’s freewill. The conclusion will not redefine these terms in such a way that it strips genuine meaning in order to suit a personally preferred view. With the previous attributes and their conservatively understood definitions acting as a position of tability, God’s foreknowledge will be examined, as it is the hinge on which most arguments sway in this debate. The degree to which man has free will in the midst of God’s sovereignty is a question framed around the issue, moment and cause of salvation. The Anchors Of Stability Many theologians, including theological text books, express that an understanding of God i s important to the rest of theology. Dr. Norman Geisler says that every other doctrine is based on understanding God. [1] Similarly, Millard J. Erickson declares, â€Å"The doctrine of God is the central point for much of the rest of theology. One’s view of God might even be thought of as supplying the whole framework within which one’s theology is constructed, life is lived, and ministry is conducted. †[2] This section will briefly scan the attributes of God mentioned earlier. This is not an exhaustive list of attributes, nor is it intended to be a full and technical review of them. But, these attributes and their definitions will serve as the anchor from which this review’s conclusion can not drift. Knowledge is the first attribute. Simply put, God knows everything. He is omniscient. This doctrine long been understood by the description given in this paper. 3] What God knows, which is everything, he’s always known. There has never been a moment inside or outside time and space he learned anything. And what God knows, he knows at once. Flowing from his knowledge is wisdom. Everything God does is according to what he knows. [4] He is never wrong and never miscalculates. He can not be separ ated from his holy character in action, what he knows, or how he acts according to what he knows. God is simply or indivisible. [5] There will be no division within him. He is also immutable. He simply doesn’t change. [6] God is also timeless, which is to say he remains the same. As beings who â€Å"grow up† and â€Å"mature†, its difficult to grasp God’s timelessness. God doesn’t need to develop. He is completely perfect and always has been. He doesn’t mature, nor does he ever need to see things from a different vantage point. What he knows is everything and he’s always known it. He can’t be separated from himself or his holy nature. But the most important element of his timelessness is that God is not subject to time and space, though he is aware of the sequence of events due to time and space. [7] Finally, God is infinite. He is limitless. [8] Its not that there are an infinite umber of things about God, but that he, himself as a being, is limitless. Foreknowledge As Hinge Since this paper deals with God’s sovereignty and man’s free will, a working understanding of sovereignty and free will are in order. Sovereignty pertains to rule or governance. [9] God’s authority extends to all that exists in and out of time and space. But sovereignty deals with more than the expanse of authority. It deals with control over that territory. To say that God is sovereign is to say that God has absolute control over his entire creation, including man. 10] Free will speaks of man’s ability to freely choose. For man to have genuine freedom to choose, man must be capable of a contrary choice. [11] Does man have genuine freedom to choose anything, especially God, independent of God? Does God’s sovereignty, his authority and control, cause man’s choices, so that man is not at all free? Or, is there a third option where God’s sovereignty somehow allows man to freely choose while still being under the sovereignty of God as understood in the historically conservative manner? Foreknowledge seems to be the hinge upon which these questions swing. Paul told the Romans in Romans 8:27-30, â€Å"†¦and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined , He also called; and these whom He called, he also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified. Paul follows these statements with the basic questions being explored in this paper in Romans 8:31, â€Å"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? † What does Paul mean by â€Å"foreknowledge†? Whose knowledge and knowledge of what? Equally important, if not more, is the question of â€Å"fore†. Does this mean â€Å"befor e†? If so, before what or who? Some argue that this foreknowledge speaks of God’s knowledge for what each man would believe and do before they actually believed and did, so that God’s predestination, calling, justifying and glorifying of each believer is based on each man’s belief and ction. [12] On the surface this may sound acceptable. But it suggests that God’s actions are subject to man’s decisions, thereby limiting or changing what is understood of God’s sovereignty and knowledge. It posits God as one waiting to discover something and man as his informant. This is significant in that it suggests God does not know all. Some use Genesis 6:6,7, God’s regret over how humans behaved, as evidence that God doesn’t have a firm handle on the future. [13] Proponents of this view reference several passages to make the same argument. However, Erickson makes the point that the disappointment expressed by God would only be possible if God had a certain knowledge of the future. [14] A passage which influenced Gregory A. Boyd toward open theism is 2 Kings 20:1-20, where God is changing his actions in regard to Hezekiah. Ironically, Erickson references the same passage as evidence of God’s knowledge and control over history, time and the future. [15] Erickson’s point is that God specifies his extension of Hezekiah’s life by fifteen years. How else could God extend a life, except that he has control? And, that this life was extended by a specific amount, fifteen years, displays a strength in controlling the future that is beyond mere power to even finesse and delicacy. Yet Boyd, an open theist, contends that the future is not â€Å"exhaustively settled in God’s mind. [16] When faced with texts that seem to display God’s knowledge of the future, like Jesus declaration of Peter’s denials, Boyd basically asserts that Jesus made a tremendously educated guess, as opposed to knowing the future. [17] This view seems untethered from the stability point of understanding God’s omniscience. On the other hand, some argue that God’s foreknowledge is one of relationship to an individual, even though the individual is yet to be created. [18] This logic seems to suggest that God has created individuals with pre-determined outcomes to the degree that man is merely playing out a role for which he has no control to the contrary. One may think of a human as a puppet. [19] In this line of thought, it’s not merely the outer actions being controlled, but even desires and thoughts. Many free will theists argue that this view of foreknowledge locks man into a forced life of thoughts, actions and decisions. If God foreknows that one will drive to Texas, then that person is left no choice but to drive to Texas because God is never wrong and he foreknew it. [20] One Arminian theologian, Roger E. Olsen, says that God’s predestination is â€Å"conditional† to his foreknowledge. [21] What Shall We Say To These Things? Paul’s question in Romans 8:31 is still hanging, â€Å"What then shall we say to these things? † The string of foreknowledge, predestination, calling, justification and glorification is cause for great thought, as evidenced by the raging debate over God’s sovereignty and man’s free will. Paul’s next question, a rhetorical one based on the string he just mentioned, seems to stake a claim in this very debate. The continuation of Romans 8:31 is, â€Å"If God is for us, who is against us? † According to J. I. Packer, â€Å"the thought here is that no opposition can finally crush us. †[22] He goes on to say this makes God our â€Å"sovereign protector† through â€Å"his covenant commitment to us. †[23] If, as Packer asserts, the point of Paul’s questioning is to cause one to cognitively assess the strength of opposing forces to God’s strength, then Paul’s point must be that God is in utter control. 24] This seems to confirm Francis A. Schaeffer’s assertion that history is God’s and there is a specific course and destination upon which history is traveling. [25] Schaeffer contends that what God knows is not merely what is or will be, but even all possibilities of what could have been. [26] If true, and a ccording to traditional conservative definitions it is, God is utterly in control. When strong enemies are in view, this is a comforting understanding. But for those who hold to both that man has free will and God’s knowledge, especially foreknowledge, limit free will, are not so comforted. This explains why their views of God’s sovereignty and foreknowledge have deviated from traditional conservative definitions. But is there any merit to the view that God’s sovereignty and foreknowledge, as understood in conservative definitions, necessarily eliminate man’s freedom to counter choices? Do Sovereignty And Foreknowledge Diminish Freedom To Counter Choices? Though speaking of natural disasters, Tony Campolo declares that God isn’t in control, that it would be too offensive for God to have control over weather systems like tornados and earthquakes which have claimed the life of so many people. 27] Realizing the previous point seems an odd fit to the general question of this section, do sovereignty and foreknowledge diminish freedom to counter choices, a couple of observations are necessary. First, those who hold to such a view as expressed by Tony Campolo have made weather and nature supreme to God, as agents against which he must contend becaus e he can not control them. This observation seems obvious. The second observation, however, seems to undercut the very intention for which such proponents want to make God less than sovereign. Man is subject to weather and nature because man can’t accurately predict it, nor control it. In this sense, Campolo’s logic is merely a trade of God for nature sovereign over man. To some degree this is descriptive of the debate. Going deeper, Erwin Lutzer references Job’s circumstances as both an example of God’s control over nature, but more importantly, as an example of â€Å"immediate† and â€Å"ultimate† cause. [28] The immediate cause of the forces that destroyed Job’s property and took his family was Satan. But the ultimate cause was God, as he ultimately had to approve of Satan’s actions with respect to Job. Even Job recognized this when he said in Job 1:21, â€Å"The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Some will say that God merely permits such occurrences, as if this alleviates God’s control or responsibility over the situation. But Lutzer points out, â€Å"†¦the God who permits natural disasters to happen could choose to not permit them to happen. †[29] Martin Luther said that the devil is God’s devil. [30] So if God is sovereign according to historically conservative definitions, doesn’t his sovereignty cause man’s actions to such a degree that man has no freedom to counter choices? One of the main objections for open theists is that God’s elect must believe and those not elect can’t believe. [31] Ware points out that no individual is without influence in decision making. [32] Even if God completely removed his influence, man would still be influenced by other men, personal desires, innate preferences. His point is that free will as open theists describe it does not exist. Influence does not require or force a specific decision. A person who gags at the thought of liver and onions will likely never order it at the cafeteria, but this doesn’t remove the ability for them to choose it. The ultimate influence is what the individual most wants. [33] That God can not be wrong and that he knows everything and is sovereign doesn’t mean that God forces salvation or obedience. Conclusion Norman Geisler summarized the debate well, â€Å"Sartre used freedom to eliminate God, and Edwards (Jonathan) seemed to use God to eliminate freedom. Since the biblical Christian grants both God’s sovereignty and human responsibility for free choice, there remains the problem as to how to reconcile them. †[34] Geisler asserts that man is both commanded by God and held responsible. Three examples demonstrate his position: Genesis 1-3, Matthew 23 and II Peter 3. [35] In Genesis God commanded Adam and Eve not to eat the fruit. When they did God held them responsible by telling them â€Å"you† did this. This seems to hold them accountable to their actions which were counter to God’s command. To believe God forced their actions is to believe that God set them up against his own command. This is evidence of free will. In Matthew 23:37 Jesus tells Jerusalem that they were not â€Å"willing†. Jesus expressed desire to gather Jerusalem, but Jerusalem wasn’t willing. This, too, is an example of free will. Finally, in II Peter 3:5 deliberate or willful disobedience is referenced. Here is free will, but where is sovereignty? Of the biblical references Geisler points to as examples of sovereignty, Job 42, Proverbs 21 and Ephesians 1 are illustrative. [36] After all Job had been through, he says in Job 42: 2, â€Å"I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted. † This demonstrates sovereignty in the sense that whatever God plans can not be changed. Proverbs 21: 1 declares, â€Å"The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases. And Paul says in Ephesians 1:11 that God, â€Å"works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will. † Geisler not only pronounces a difference between Arminianism and Calvinism, but between Extreme Calvinism and Moderate Calvinism. [37] Geisler quotes William Ames, a Strong Puritan Calvinist and summarizes the view by saying, â€Å"According to this view (extr eme Calvinism), God’s predestination is done independent of His foreknowledge of human free acts. God operates with such unapproachable sovereignty that His choices are made with total disregard for the choices of mortal men. Extreme Calvinism, as Geisler calls it, posits God as the puppet-master, controlling man beyond actions to even their thoughts and desires. Free will plays no role as God inserts the very desire to desire him, and inserts the desire in others for things other than him. Desiring God is only possible if God gives the desire. For these reasons Geisler describes extreme Calvinists by â€Å"predetermination is independent of His foreknowledge. † Arminiansim, on the other hand, is described as â€Å"predetermination is based on His foreknowledge. †[38] Some in the camp, Wesleyans Arminians in particular, believe that election is based on â€Å"foreseen faith. Others believe that God â€Å"willed that salvation would be received on the condition of faith. †[39] In either view, God did not force belief, but acted on what he could see from the future. Finally, Geisler offers another solution, moderate Calvinism, which he describes as â€Å"predetermination is in accord with His foreknowledge. † He asserts, â€Å"there is no chronological or logical priority of election and foreknowledge. †[40] It seems incongruent to this reporter that a biblically conservative view of God’s sovereignty would exclude the possibility of man’s free will. By argument, wouldn’t this be a limitation to his sovereignty? Is he not sovereign enough to allow free will? On the other hand, anything that diminishes God’s sovereignty or his knowledge, wisdom, timelessness, foreknowledge, and other attributes is a deviation from Scripture. This is worse than a slipperly slope. Understanding God is infinite means we, as finite, can’t fully understand him. But we’d be wise to stick within the bound of historically conservative understandings of God, or risk sliding the slippery slope to a mind that changes God and rejects objective truth. This is easier than one might think. Attempts to reconcile such debates with this tempt the thinker to compromise ever so slightly in order to satisfy a weary mind. While the debate continues to rage, Geisler’s moderate Calvinism makes sense. As foreknowledge speaks of knowledge before something, must we conclude this is anything besides a communication of God’s eternally held knowledge expressed to man in terms of time for man’s comprehension. Seriously, is there a difference between God’s knowledge and foreknowledge? The scriptures indicate God operates within time and space. But they also indicate that he is not subject to time and space. He created time and space outside of time and space. So his foreknowing doesn’t have to mean he looked through the annals of history to discover something. Man, who is subject to time and space, is simply told that God already knew and he’s always known. And what about God’s free will? On the one hand he is absolutely free. But according to his immanence and indivisibility, God can never act counter to his holy nature. So in this sense, isn’t God’s free will limited to his holy nature? Finally, one must conclude that both God is sovereign and man has free will. The bible speaks of both. Clever arguments to prevent unbiblical assertions sometimes, themselves, land on solutions that inordinately ignore or emphasize specific truths as sort of a balance to opposing arguments. Though the reference eludes, some think this a description of Augustine and an explanation of the difference between his earlier and later writings. That both exist is this author’s stance, though unexplainable it is. This was basically John McArthur’s stance at a recent conference attended by this author. When asked how the two, both existing, work together, McArthur bluntly said, â€Å"I don’t know. † Bibliography Feinberg, John. Geisler, Norman. Reichenbach, Bruce. Pinnock, Clark. Predestination And Free Will: Four Views Of Divine Sovereignty And Human Freedom. Edited by Basinger, David. Basinger, Randall. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1986 Cottrell, Jack W. Pinnock, Clark H. Reymond, Robert L. Talbott, Thomas, B. Ware, Bruce A. Perspectives On Election: Five Views. Edited by Brand, Chad Owen. Nashville: Broadman and Holman Publishers, 2006 Lutzer, Erwin W. Where Was God? : Answers To Tough Questions About God And Natural Disasters. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. , 2006 DeYoung, Kevin. Kluck, Ted. Why I’m Not Emergent: By Two Guys Who Should Be. Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2008 Basinger, David. The Case For Freewill Theism: A Philosophical Assessment. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1996 Schaeffer, Francis A. Genesis In Time And Space: The Flow Of Biblical History. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1972 Walls, Jerry L. Dongell, Joseph R. Why I Am Not A Calvinist. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2004 Olson, Roger E. Arminian Theology: Myths and Realities. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006 Sproul, R. C. Chosen By God: Know God’s Perfect Plan For His Glory And His Children. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. , 1986 Geisler, Norman. Chosen But Free: A Balanced View Of Divine Election. 2nd ed. Minneapolis: Bethany House Publishers, 2001 Packer, J. I. Knowing God. 20th Anniversary Ed. , Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1973 Boyd, Gregory A. Hunt, David. Craig, William Lane. Helm, Paul. Divine Foreknowledge: Four Views. Edited by Beilby, James K. Eddy, Paul R. , Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2001 Erickson, Millard J. What Does God Know And When Does He Know It? : The Current Controversy Over Divine Foreknowledge. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2003 Reymond, Robert L. John Calvin: His Life And Influence. Geanies House, Fearn, Ross-shire: Christian Focus Publications, 2004 Ryrie, Charles. So Great Salvation: What It Means To Believe In Jesus Christ. Chicago: Moody Press, 1989 Owen, John. The Death Of Death In The Death Of Christ. Volume 10 of the Works Of John Owens, Southhampton: The Camelot Press, Ltd. , 1967 Ryrie, Charles. Basic Theology: A Popular Systematic Guide To Understanding Biblical Truth. Wheaton: SP Publications, Inc. , 1986 Wright, R. K. McGregor. No Place For Sovereignty: What’s Wrong With Freewill Theism. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1996 Erickson, Millard. Christian Theology. 2nd ed. , Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2009 Geisler, Dr. Norman. Systematic Theology: God Creation. Volume Two. Minneapolis: Bethany House, 2003 [1] Geisler, Dr. Norman. Systematic Theology: God Creation. Volume Two. Minneapolis: Bethany House, 2003, 17 [2] Erickson, Millard. Christian Theology, 2nd ed. , Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2009, 290 [3] Geisler, Dr. Norman. Systematic Theology: God Creation. Volume Two, 180 [4] Erickson, Millard. Christian Theology, 2nd ed. , 301-302 5] Geisler, Dr. Norman. Systematic Theology: God Creation, Volume Two, 39-40 [6] Ibid, 74 [7] Erickson, Millard. Christian Theology, 2nd ed. , 300-301 [8] Geisler, Dr. Norman. Systematic Theology: God Creation. Volume Two, 124-125 [9] Ibid, 536 [10] Ibid, 536 [11] Ibid, 544 [12] Wright, R. K. McGregor. No Place For Sovereignty: What’s Wrong With Freewill Theism. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1996, 139 [13] Erickson, M illard J. What Does God Know And When Does He Know It? : The Current Controversy Over Divine Foreknowledge. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 17-18 [14] Ibid, 21 [15] Ibid, 23 16] Boyd, Gregory A. Hunt, David. Craig, William Lane. Helm, Paul. Divine Foreknowledge: Four Views. Edited by Beilby, James K. Eddy, Paul R. , Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 17 [17] Ibid, 20 [18] Sproul, R. C. Chosen By God: Know God’s Perfect Plan For His Glory And His Children. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. , 1986, 137 [19] Ibid, 129 [20] Walls, Jerry L. Dongell, Joseph R. Why I Am Not A Calvinist. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2004, 60-61 [21] Olson, Roger E. Arminian Theology: Myths And Realities. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006, 19 [22] Packer, J. I. Knowing God. 20th Anniversary Edition. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1973, 260 [23] Ibid, 260 [24] Ibid, 263 [25] Schaeffer, Francis A. Genesis In Space And Time: The Flow Of Biblical History. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1972, 63 [26] Ibid, 73 [27] Lutzer, Erwin W. Where Was God? : Answers To Tough Questions About God And Natural Disasters. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. , 2006, 25 [28] Ibid, 28 [29] Ibid, 30 [30] Ibid, 30 [31] Cottrell, Jack W. Pinnock, Clark H. Reymond, Robert L. Talbott, Thomas B. Ware, Bruce A. Perspectives On Election: Five Views. Edited by Brand, Chad Owen. Nashville: Broadman and Holman Publishers, 2006, 35 [32] Ibid, 36 [33] Ibid, 37 [34] Feinberg, John. Geisler, Norman. Reichenbach, Bruce. Pinnock, Clark. Predestination and Free Will: Four Views of Divine Sovereignty and Human Freedom. Edited by Basinger, David. Basinger, Randall. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1986, 63 [35] Ibid, 64-65 [36] Ibid, 63-64 [37] Geisler, Norman. Chosen But Free: A Balanced View Of Divine Election. 2nd ed. , Minneapolis: Bethany House Publishers, 2001, 47 [38] Ibid, 51 [39] Ibid, 51 [40] Ibid, 53