International Journal for Faith Integration Volume4 Issue1
Editorial | Representing God in our Spheres of Influence
Constance C. NwosuAs Christians, we are called to be Christ’s representatives at all times and in all we do. The word of God in our lives should shape our character and leadership roles. We should learn to do things like Jesus our Master who lived by “thus says the Lord”. It is His word that makes us His true disciples. In John 8:31, “Jesus said to the Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed”. Today, Jesus still invites us to be true disciples in our service delivery and interaction with others. As Christ’s followers, we need to remember that we have been given a mandate to proclaim the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9, NKJV)! In this issue, we present articles that reflect the attitude of leaders who take their faith with them into their world of work. Meet Daniel in Babylon in his role as a political leader in His time. What lessons from him stand out for Christians today who are inclined to join the political arena? Also, in our roles as supervisors of postgraduate students, how can our faith lead us to take seriously the assignment to mentor our students to discover their God-given potentials as well as develop their own faith in God? I invite you to reflect on these questions as you read the articles. Enjoy!
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Faith Integration and Leadership: The Legacy of Daniel in Socio Political Administration of Ancient Near East
Abiodun F. Adeoti and Olasunkami E. Osundina | Pages:1-9Abstract
This paper examines the active participation of Daniel in socio-political administration in the Ancient Near East. His involvement inter alia demonstrates the beauty and blessing of the discreet interplay of faith and governance. Daniel's faith in God's sovereignty comes to stardom when instead of breathing political apathy as a captive that threatens not only the peace but also the lives of rulers and the ruled in the Ancient Near East. The paper focuses on the legacy of Daniel in the socio-political terrain and how the chronicle reinforces the importance of integrity, simplicity, and prudence as factors of good governance in any polity. Daniel's political participation therefore demystifies political apathy to reinforce the conviction for a reconstruction of the integration of faith and leadership in society. The narrative of Daniel throws light on God's interest in the growth of nations. Hence, Daniel's excellent performance in the administration of Babylon and Medo-Persia settles the puzzle of whether a man could maintain a societal leadership mandate and still serve God faithfully.
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Responding to the Call for Integration of Faith and Learning in the Postgraduate Research Supervision Context
Conrad Zygmont | Pages:11-21Abstract
Postgraduate education is a key determinant for development, productivity and innovative problem-solving for developing nations and the church itself. Concerns, however, exist, especially in developing regions, about postgraduate programme quality, particularly in the areas of research standards and supervisory quality. Low standard in supervisory processes is often a consequence of high workloads and losing sight of the fact that not every academic with a doctorate degree is equipped for effective supervision; which invariably lead to a perpetuation of negative practices. There are a number of styles, frameworks, and factors within supervisory practice that can facilitate improved quality. Postgraduate supervision has evolved to emphasise broader goals beyond research product completion. It is now seen as a pedagogical relationship and form of praxis that nurtures students into independent researchers. Supervisors must, in addition to facilitating the completion of a research project, address developmental, knowledge, transformational, spiritual, and social challenges. Integrating faith and learning is essential, going beyond adding scriptural texts to work but deeply engaging religious commitments in scholarly pursuits. Integration of faith and learning in the supervision process will benefit the experience of students and ensure that supervisors are more resilient to the challenges and stressors in postgraduate supervision. This paper outlines some principles guiding the integration of faith and learning in the supervisory processes.
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