From Fragmentation To Wholeness

This book proposes the creation of a family therapy model. The proposed model would stem from the particular circumstances of Black South African (or Azanian) families and would be context- and culture-specific. The author provides a documented account of the socio-economic and socio-political circumstances of the Azanian family. This account reveals the inextricable linkage between the Azanians family fragmentation, their condition of deprivation, and their perpetual experience of emotional upheaval. Next, the author argues that the same socio-economic and socio-political aspects which impinge upon the Azanian family are actually central to the family therapy theory and model, and, therefore, must not be ignored. The argument presented in this book demonstrates to readers how a community can be lead out of oppression and toward wholeness. This book will appeal to black and white academians and practitioners of therapy. From Fragmentation to Wholeness will be particularly appropriate for classes studying cultural diversity or the foundations for counseling and therapy. Contents: Foreword; Acknowledgments; List of Tables; List of Figures; The South African Scenario; The Genesis of Fragmentation; Fragmentation of Family; Family Therapy: A Critique of Two Major Schools.

David Bohm was one of the foremost scientific thinkers and philosophers of our time. Although deeply influenced by Einstein, he was also, more unusually for a scientist, inspired by mysticism. Indeed, in the 1970s and 1980s he made contact with both J. Krishnamurti and the Dalai Lama whose teachings helped shape his work. In both science and philosophy, Bohm's main concern was with understanding the nature of reality in general and of consciousness in particular. In this classic work he develops a theory of quantum physics which treats the totality of existence as an unbroken whole. Writing clearly and without technical jargon, he makes complex ideas accessible to anyone interested in the nature of reality.

Wholeness in a Disruptive World offers timely insights and practical advice on how we can stay balanced in face of challenges, sustain our best work in the long haul, and contribute to the larger world around us. As the demands of a disruptive world grow and pull us in different directions, it has never been more important to be whole. Most people recognise this, but few know how to achieve it. Instead, we run on the treadmill of work and become ever more drained and burnt out, while the organisations that we are part of become ever more fragmented and unhealthy. This book aims to bridge that gap. Inspired by the author’s realisation after a physical breakdown from trying to “do it all”, Wholeness draws on the combined wisdom of Eastern and Western thinking, along with extensive interviews with leaders and executives, to show the way towards wholeness – both for us as individuals, as well as for our organisations and communities.

Thomas structures her analysis of Dickens's novel, Hard times, around five key areas in which fragmentation is the dominant theme.

Praise for Whole Church "Mel is a thoughtful analyst of church life today. Best of all he actually does what he writes about. This book can lead to new levels of engagement for your church." John Ortberg, author and pastor, Menlo Park Presbyterian Church "Mel Lawrenz's vision of a local church that actually reflects the wholeness and beauty of God as it engages with the Lord, one another, and the community is a much-needed call back to God's original Plan A a plan that has too often been cast aside in the name of specialization, church growth, and expediency." Larry Osborne, North Coast Church, and author, Sticky Church and Spirituality for the Rest of Us "Wow! This book is for every Christian leader who wants to move their church from a narrow self-focus to active engagement in the world with all the resources and possibilities of heaven." Mike Slaughter, Ginghamsburg Church "While Mel Lawrenz's 'four kinds of engagement' aims at congregational application, it also creates a template that individual Jesus-followers can use for self-evaluation of what it means to be the church today. The final 'dynamics' section is worth the price of admission for church leaders." Reggie McNeal, author, The Present Future and Missional Renaissance "Having known Mel Lawrenz for thirty-five years in various capacities as student, intern, colleague, and eventual successor as senior pastor of Elmbrook Church, I can testify to his keen mind, his profound respect for and knowledge of history, his forward-looking curiosity, and his undoubted communication gifts. Add all these to his many years as a seasoned practitioner of church ministry, and the result is this very helpful book, Whole Church." Stuart Briscoe, author, Flowing Streams and broadcaster, Telling the Truth