Elrena Evans writes that "psychologists are considering a shift to famed psychologist Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs
Long a fixture in the training of educators and workforce managers, Maslow’s pyramid argues that humans’ basic needs (food, water, air, sleep) must be met before they can begin to seek other, “higher” fulfillments. It makes sense: bereft of basic needs, people can’t concentrate on bigger goals. I saw this pyramid again and again when in college, minoring in education, used to stress that a child who feels hungry, tired, and unsafe is really not going to care about learning algebra, and with good reason.
Now, though, a team of four researchers headed by Arizona State University social psychology professor Douglas T. Kenrick is challenging the top tier of Maslow’s pyramid. They write in a paper recently published in Perspectives on Psychological Science that Maslow’s ultimate goal, the pinnacle of human achievement, is not “self-actualization” or the accomplishment of such higher-order functions as creativity, problem-solving, and morality. It is — wait for it — parenting.
It goes without saying that the switch has stirred up some reaction."
(read more...)
For those who are interested, here's the suggested new pyramid:
2. I wonder if you have heard of Francis Chan. You can read a bit of his story on Wikipedia. Recently, he announced that he was leaving the church that he had founded in 1994, and sold his house to obey God's call to follow Him. Considering that he had started this church with only 30 people, and was now pastoring 1600, and that he said he had no idea where God was taking him, but wanted to be free to be obedient when God's will became clearer, you can guess that this was big news.You can find an interview with him here.
3. The ECCU: An interesting Christian banking organization in the US that believes in socially responsible banking, and says that "both individuals and ministries who invest with them can have the added assurance that their deposits are always used to support evangelical ministries and missionary members worldwide, never for causes contrary to Scripture."
Do you know of anything similar to this in India? It sounds like a great idea.
4. Restaurant High Chairs Carry More Bacteria Than Toilet Seats :
"According to swabs taken at 30 different restaurants, the amount of bacteria found on high chairs was significantly greater than the amounts found on public toilets. Toilets had an average of eight bacteria per square centimeter. High chairs had 147."
(HT: Challies)
5. In the light of that previous statistic, it's probably good that the Eastern toilet is so popular in India. In case you have become Western enough to have forgotten how to use the Eastern latrine, here's a refresher video that will help you increase your 'cultural intelligence'.
6 comments:
I really appreciated this quote from the Christianity Today blog talking about the hierarchy of needs:
"Imagine if we could spend half the time we currently invest in criticizing other Christian families asking, instead, how we might best support them in the choices they have made, as their brothers and sisters in Christ?"
It's really an interesting proposition, really. And, in a way pretty profound. Modeling the way of Christ is an imperative as a disciple of Christ. And when we become parents, we have an entirely new understanding of God.
Here's my only concern. What about people who are unable to have Children? Or Paul's suggestion to never get married?
And, what is the distinction between a need and a desire? My own personal distinction is that a need is something that we must have or we will die (food, water, shelter, intimacy...there may be others).
We have a lot of friends who have survived without having children. And, who would be saddened or find this incredibly off-putting.
But, back to the quote I really appreciated. I'm curious to know how others put this into action. Civility toward others, especially other Christians who differ from me, is incredibly hard for me. I was thinking about how self control is a fruit of the Spirit and how maybe those individuals in my life I feel most challenged by are actually a blessing from the Spirit. Teaching me self-control.
Anyway, just some thoughts. I'd be curious to hear your take on how we can be one in the Spirit and civil toward each other. I'm not so familiar with how Christianity plays out in India, but we have a lot of growing and learning to do here in the U.S. as far as this goes.
Love,
juliana
Sorry about that, my comment somehow was doubled.
I should add, one of the most fascinating stories of parenthood for me right now is in Luke chapter 1. I've been pondering Zacharias and Elizabeth's story. It's amazing. It is just rich with meaning and hope and incredible power. One verse that sticks out in relation to being a parent is when Luke talks about who John is to become: Luke 1:17 ("...someone who will turn the hearts of the parents back to their children.") with a reference to Malachi 4:5-6.
And, I also must admit my bias. I've never been a huge fan of Maslow's hierarchy of needs. I just don't see needs in a hierarchical sense. Ashish can attest to how passionate I can get when talking about needs vs. desires. ;)
I think the important thing is realizing that our fulfillment must come from the Holy Spirit. (See Ephesians 5:18)
Alright, I'll leave you in peace.
Love,
juiana
Whoa! And I was thinking the video would get the most comments!
lol...I actually want to send the video to our friends who will accompany us. It was a joke, right?!? He wasn't seriously attempting to teach, was he???
I'm actually not so sure! He certainly seemed to be serious. And his website talks about how watching this video will help improve 'cultural intelligence'
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