First and second order change in systems

Posted on April 12, 2007 by Israel Galindo

In the field of community psychology (yes, there is a field of community psychology), the theory of “logical types” and the concepts of first and second order change can help us understanding some aspects of addressing homeostasis in relationship systems.

The Theory of Groups says that any group is composed of members who are alike in one common characteristic, and their “actual nature” other than that characteristic is irrelevant when it comes to trying to bring about change. Groups are said to have four properties that support this contention: Continue reading →

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Know thyself . . . or not

Posted on April 11, 2007 by Israel Galindo

The idea of self-differentiation has within it the hint of the idea of the necessity to “know thyself.” Evidence of this is the emphases on achieving insight into how we got to be who we are (family of origin work) and understanding about what we are working on becoming—being clear about values, beliefs, principals, etc. The unspoken assumption here may be that the more we “know ourselves” the more capacity we have to move toward self-differentiation. Continue reading →

Posted in bowen family systems theory, philosophy, world view | 1 Comment

Hacks and professionals

Posted on April 10, 2007 by Israel Galindo

In his book, A Failure of Nerve, Ed Friedman writes about the tendency of ineffective leaders who exhibit the tendency to seek the “quick fix” and the obsession with methods, techniques, and programs rather than engage in the hard work of leadership that focuses on challenge which leads to growth. He said,

“The difference between a professional and a hack is not in their degree or training. Both may do what they do with polish; but the hack is not transformed by his experience.” (p. 88). Continue reading →

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New Good Friday Poster

Posted on April 9, 2007 by Israel Galindo

We’ve added a new poster to the Art Gallery section of the Educational Consultants website. Go to Links/Art Gallery to locate the poster. The poster is titled “Love” and has the text of John 3:16. Continue reading →

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Inimical “middle languages”

Posted on April 8, 2007 by Israel Galindo

One of the continuing paradoxes of Christian education in congregations (and in most seminaries, admittedly) is that the ways we’ve chosen to go about teaching for faith is actually inimical to how people need to learn it.

Here are some basic pedagogical concepts:

  • Things need to be learned in the modality in which they need to be acquired, and not a different way (process matters)
  • You learn to do what you do and not something else (no “pretend learning”)
  • Most things need to be learned in the context in which they are applicable and intended
  • Meaningful learning is acquired through experience (phenomenology)
  • Intellectual activity anywhere is the same (Bruner)
  • Learning requires readiness.

Continue reading →

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Regrettable food

Posted on April 6, 2007 by Israel Galindo

Well, Lent is almost over, so I’m looking forward to enjoying again some of the things I’ve “given up” during the season of denial and penitance. If you’ve had trouble sticking with going without, or if you’ve had trouble giving up a food item or two, consider spending some time on the Gallery of Regrettable Food website as you start next year’s Lenten season.

This is one of the funniest sites I’ve seen in a while. I belly laughed (no pun intended) through the whole thing. The writing is hilarious–a wicked sense of humor. It’s also an interesting social retrospective on how emerging food technologies and marketing made for interesting bedfellows. Obviously, marketing seems to have yet to come into its own in the 50s. Enjoy.

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Good Friday

Posted on April 6, 2007 by Israel Galindo

For years I’ve been exchanging religious poetry with friends. Today, Good Friday, a friend sent me “Here Hangs A Man Discarded” by songwriter Brian Wren. I can’t share the poem here because of probable copyright issues, but the text inspired this sketch. Have a blessed Good Friday. Continue reading →

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Symeon the New Theologian

Posted on April 5, 2007 by Israel Galindo

Besides having one of the coolest names of the church fathers, Symeon the New Theologian was also a poet who recorded his mystical experiences in a collection of poems titled “Hymns of Divine Love.” (His given name was George, which itself is not as cool-sounding as his adopted name). He was a politician (an imperial senator) turned monk, and eventually became the abbot of the St. Mamas monastery. Eventually outcast for his mystical teachings and spiritual practices, he later gathered a group of followers and started his own monastery. His poem “We Awaken in Christ’s Body” makes for a great Maundy Thursday reflection. Continue reading →

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Luis de Camoes

Posted on April 4, 2007 by Israel Galindo

Here’s a favorite Lenten poem. Lent is the penitant season, where the resisted discipline of confession is given a central place. Luis de Camoes (1524-1580) is considered Portugal’s greatest poet. A soldier for much of his life, his religious and romantic poems are worth getting to know. Continue reading →

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Selective hearing

Posted on April 3, 2007 by Israel Galindo

I recently was asked to respond to an alumnus (a pastor of a church) about his displeasure over the choice of the seminary’s new president-elect. I was asked to respond as someone who had been a member of the now-defunct presidential search committee. At first I resisted, warning the person who asked me to respond that my initial impulse was to ask, “Do you personally give money to the seminary or is the seminary in your church’s missions budget? If not, then thanks for sharing but I’d just as soon you keep your opinion to yourself.” Continue reading →

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