Improved adoptability is a common goal among rescue shelters. Dogs are more likely to be adopted if they are friendly, mannerly, and approachable. The possibility of improving rescue shelter dogs' behavior through an obedience program has not been examined. We developed an approachability test to determine whether dogs became more approachable during and after a standardized 12-week obedience program. We also quantified jumping behavior and pulling on the leash to measure if these problematic behaviors also improved through training. The subjects consisted of 26 dogs donated to the Triple Crown School for Professional Dog Trainers for one of the 12-week sessions. The approach test was administered six times, at two-week intervals. The tests were videotaped and jumping and pulling behaviors were quantified after testing. Scores for approachability were based on the proximity between the tester and the dog at the end of each test. For the dogs that completed all 12 weeks of the study, contingency analyses were performed for each behavioral measure. Relative to the start of the 12-week training program, the dogs became more approachable (p<0.025), jumped less (p<0.025), and pulled on the leash less (p<0.025) than when the study began. These results reinforce the importance of obedience training as a tool for increasing a rescue shelter dog's adoptability and permanence once placed in a home.

Thesis (Th. M.)--Westminster Theological Seminary, 2006. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 123-132).

Thesis (D. Min.)--Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, 2005. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 247-266).

Thesis (Th. M.)--Westminster Theological Seminary, 2006. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 123-132).

Thesis (D. Min.)--Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, 2005. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 247-266).

Social psychology of Nazism: Conformism, Obedience and Abuse of Power Thesis Social Psychology of Nazism: Conformism, Obedience and Abuse of Power deals with a human behaviour at the time of Nazism. Since the end of the Second World War, we have been trying to find an explanation of our actions at the time. How could we have participated in torturing and killing so many innocent people? And could we commit something similar again? The horrific nature of the above-mentioned human action is exemplified in the first chapter of this thesis by the story of ordinary men of the Reserve Police Battalion 101. In 1942, at the orders of their superiors these very ordinary German citizens executed 1500 Jewish inhabitants of the Polish village of Józefów. In the following chapters, three important socio-psychological experiments of the second half of the 20th century are analyzed to elucidate the natural tendencies of human behaviour that are critical to a person's ability to act as mentioned above. Firstly, the Solomon E. Asch experiment, which investigates conformism and helps us to understand why we are able to commit evil or not to intervene against it under social pressure. Stanley Milgram's experiment on obedience follows. Milgram indicates how it is easy for most people to obey the authority and follow...

This research, which lies in the area of Practical Theology, examines the gap between theory and praxis among Holy Cross sisters and Dominican priests and brothers of the Roman Catholic Church in Southern Africa, with special reference to Zimbabwe and South Africa. It proposes scaffolds for better synthesis of theory and practice for the purposes of bridging what is learnt in the academy and the praxis requirements of mission and ministry. The major strain noted by this research is that of the out of context theology. The experiences of the post-novitiate brothers and sisters have shown that there is need for doing contextual theology, which enables the members to adapt to new situations and contexts without imposing imported theology and ideas on the faithful. The second strain has been that of an inadequate formation programme, which has incapacitated nuns and members of the clergy from fully practising their spiritual maternity and paternity in their ministries. The chasm between the inadequate theoretical formation in novitiate and the practical life of ministry and mission creates abrupt and unnerving hurdles for those in temporary vows. Lack of Catholic grounding also impedes smooth transitions between stages, and concerted efforts have to be made to address this problem. Whilst the vow of obedience has a strong aspect of listening from both African and Latin roots, there are times when the interpretation of the vow may be highly influenced by cultural contexts. This is true with regards personal expenditure of allowances. The research has also discovered that proficiency in inculturation and the use of African languages, values and perspectives could bring about the joy of being an African religious. It is also important that from the time the novices are introduced to the formation programme, they are made aware that they are called to be prophets who reach out to those on the margins of society. The proposed formation programme in Chapter Four has recommended more time in the novitiate, as well as gradual and ritualised exit, to cater for those who believe they leave novitiate prematurely. It also recommends the introduction of theology of hope. / Dissertation (MTh)--University of Pretoria, 2020. / Practical Theology / MTh / Unrestricted

This thesis makes a unique contribution in the field of New Testament studies with specific attention to New Testament theology and the Christology of Hebrews. It explores the relationship between Sonship and the ascension in the book of Hebrews. It argues that the ascension of Jesus reveals the nature of his Sonship. First, chapters two and three of this study examine the Sonship of Jesus in Hebrews 1. It portrays Jesus as both the Messianic and the divine eternal Son. While recent scholarship has questioned whether the Son in Hebrews is a divine Sonship, this thesis demonstrates that Hebrews portrays Jesus as divine. Second, this study argues that Heb. 2 contains a “Second Adam Christology.” The Son shares in true humanity and is appointed to fulfill the destiny of humanity. In this humanity, he is crowned with glory and honor in fulfillment of Ps. 8. The Son stands in solidaric representation of the people of God. This second Adam function is both kingly and priestly as representative who leads God’s people to this glory. Third, as this eschatological man who is crowned as king and priest the Son ascends into heaven. This is set against the background of apocalyptic literature where heaven is a temple and the dwelling place of God. The Son is portrayed in Hebrews as ascending into a true tabernacle that is heaven itself. He enters heaven as both king and priest of the age to come because he himself has first come to participate in the age to come. Finally, the study demonstrates that the obedience of the Son qualifies him for his ascension and eschatological ‘perfection.’ We argue that the theme of obedient trust and crying out to God is an Adamic-Davidic role with a Psalmic background. We conclude, in the book of Hebrews, Christ is the eternal Son who also functions in the Adam-David role of sonship. His actions as the true human exercising trust and obedience qualify him to ascend up into heaven crowned with humanity’s eschatological glory. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria 2018. / New Testament Studies / PhD / Unrestricted

Thesis advisor: Andrew R. Davis / The figure of Saul became the focus of exilic reflection on election, rejection, obedience, and repentance. The Saul rejection accounts became, more broadly, about the election and seeming rejection of Israel because of infidelity to the Horeb covenant. The accounts became part of a wider deuteronomistic attempt to persuade an exilic audience of the importance of obedience centered on the YHWH-Israel bond articulated in Deuteronomic law. The Saul rejection accounts were placed at strategic points late in the development of the text of 1 Samuel. Both accounts appeal for obedience to the commands and words of YHWH (13:13-14; 15:1). In the end, these commands and words share the same referent—the book of the law—the priority of the final editors (DtrN). Following an introduction describing context, model, and method (Chapter One), this work focuses on the positive contribution—and shortcomings—of some synchronic approaches, identifying the need for an appropriate biblical poetics (Chapter Two). The value of a careful synchronic reading is complemented by a diachronic reading contributing to an understanding of the text’s development and final shaping (Chapter Three). Four stages are identified, ranging from 1) older, positive, Saul stories, to 2) prophetic tradition, to 3) a Deuteronomistic History expressive of preexilic hope informed by Davidic promise (Josianic), to 4) exilic, deuteronomistic thought, grappling with the crisis of exile while attempting to understand and articulate a response. The response of this final redactor (DtrN) consists of a call to renewed obedience to the book of the law expressive of the YHWH-Israel bond. These diachronic stages are also identifiable in the rejection of Saul passages. Both passages (1 Sam 13:7b-15 and 15:1-35) are carefully studied, synchronically and diachronically, resulting in several theological conclusions (Chapter Four). These conclusions are then compared and contrasted with a classic articulation of “Deuteronomistic Theology” (Noth and Von Rad), leading to even further refinement (Chapter Five). This is followed by a General Conclusion offering a final methodological, theological, and pastoral reflection. Out of exilic reflection, DtrN prioritizes the Deuteronomic law: it is, after all, expressive of the incomparable YHWH-Israel relationship in covenant. There can be no compromise. Yet one of the great strengths of Deuteronomistic Theology, modified by the theological conclusions drawn here, is that the prophetic voice still speaks through the final deuteronomistic text. The embedded call to repentance (šûḇ) tempers the final urgent call to obedience with hope of return to and renewed acceptance by YHWH. Awareness of the diachronic stages allows the later reader to hear, not only the voice of the final DtrN redactor, but also earlier voices. The multi-voiced model, about which concerns are raised in Chapter Two, contributes in its own way to a greater appreciation of the rich theological depth of these texts (Chapters Four and Five). It is the synchronic-diachronic methodological combination adopted that permits the theological message to emerge more clearly in its fullness. A debt is owed to the Deuteronomistic writers for the preservation, transmission, and adaptation of earlier strands. This dynamic of interacting traditions recalls the often overlooked vibrancy of Deuteronomistic Theology, suggesting a renewed appreciation. The Deuteronomistic writers formulated their own vision through interaction with received traditions. On the one hand, Deuteronomistic Theology is robust and uncompromisingly challenging: “Obey the words of YHWH!” (1 Sam 15:1). On the other hand, it is realistic, reconceptualizing, and compassionate: people will fail, but there is a way back. I suggest that the Deuteronomistic theologians offer a biblical foundation for the pastoral model of accompaniment. / Thesis (STD) — Boston College, 2020. / Submitted to: Boston College. School of Theology and Ministry. / Discipline: Sacred Theology.

Thesis (J.C.L.)--Catholic University of America, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 71-75).