David H. Smith - Böcker

Religious Giving considers the connection between religion and giving within the Abrahamic traditions. Each contributor begins with the assumption that there is something inherently right or natural about the connection. But what exactly is it? To whom should we give, how much should we give, what is the relationship between our giving and our relationship to God? Writing for the introspective donor, congregational leader, or student interested in ways of meeting human needs, the authors focus on the philosophical or theological dimensions of giving. The contributors' goal is not to report on institutional practices, but to provide thoughtful, constructive guidance to the reader—informed by a critical understanding of the religious traditions under review.

"This timely, well-written book brings together the collective experience of experts from the fields of medicine, psychiatry, religious studies, bioethics, and molecular genetics in an effort to develop coherent guidelines for the counseling of potential sufferers from genetic diseases." —Journal of Religion and HealthThis book presents 29 case studies that identify the most important ethical issues that are likely to emerge from new technologies of genetic testing and develops a series of guidelines based on those case studies. By providing the clinical origins and rationale behind each of its recommendations, the book will help readers think through the ethical issues and will assist them in the development of additional guidelines.

It seems self-evident that giving is a good thing. But there are profound arguments against a social stress on giving, many of them couched in the language of justice. In this book, scholars from a variety of fields associated with philanthropy discuss the moral issues surrounding efforts to do good. The chapters are arranged in five parts: "Important Exemplars," "Deciding Whom to Help," "Issues for Religious Communities," "The Importance and Insufficiency of Charity," and "Retrospect and Prospect."The contributors are David M. Craig, Elliot N. Dorff, David C. Hammack, Amy A. Kass, John Langan, S.J., Paul Pribbenow, Paul G. Schervish, David H. Smith, William M. Sullivan, Philip Turner, and Patricia H. Werhane.

"Entrusted provides a much needed contribution to the literature on ethics in the healthcare arena." —Health Progress"A splendid and invaluable book, one every trustee with an active conscience would want to read and one every trustee with a dormant conscience ought to read." —Richard Chait, Center for Higher Education Governance and Leadership" . . . thoughtful essays on the morality, obligations, practice, and virtues of trusteeship. . . . Smith presents intriguing arguments for governance grounded in a broader sense of organizational and public stewardship." —ARNOVA News"[Smith's] contribution breaks some new and difficult ground by helping us to think beyond the routine and mundane dimensions of trusteeship." —Academe" . . . essential reading for trustees." —Ethics"Entrusted should be required reading for trustees of any not-for-profit." —Advancing Philanthropy

The National Research Council (NRC) has been conducting decadal surveys in the Earth and space sciences since 1964, and released the latest five surveys in the past 5 years, four of which were only completed in the past 3 years. Lessons Learned in Decadal Planning in Space Science is the summary of a workshop held in response to unforseen challenges that arose in the implementation of the recommendations of the decadal surveys. This report takes a closer look at the decadal survey process and how to improve this essential tool for strategic planning in the Earth and space sciences. Workshop moderators, panelists, and participants lifted up the hood on the decadal survey process and scrutinized every element of the decadal surveys to determine what lessons can be gleaned from recent experiences and applied to the design and execution of future decadal surveys.

The complexities of healthcare situations often include the religious commitments of patients. They should include those of healthcare professionals as well. In this fresh approach to problems in medical ethics, contributors provide case studies, interviews, and personal narratives that help ethicists listen more attentively and offer wiser critiques of the moral issues involved.

What do physicians, nurses, chaplains, and social workers think about moral and religious issues in care for the dying? These professionals live with death, including many untimely and difficult deaths, on a daily basis. Based on intensive interviews with a cross sample of health care professionals, David H. Smith details how the churches could not only be supportive of these primary caregivers in dealing with end of life issues, but how they could enlist their help in informing their own congregations about the realities of death. To care for the dying is spiritually demanding work. Churches should not let health professionals struggle with religious issues—whether of patients, families, or their own—in isolation. Smith's respondents offer powerful perspectives on the issue of physician assisted suicide. Religious and theological ethics cannot afford to ignore insights and questions that come from those who deal with dying every day. Finding meaning in the face of human suffering comes less from doctrine than from living a certain kind of life. This book is a clarion call for new, practical, and vital forms of education, support, and commitment, particularly within the churches, in the cause of improving care for the dying.

This volume examines one health issue -- breast implants -- across a series of contexts often thought to be separate -- media coverage, doctor-patient interaction, doctor-doctor professional communication, support group dialogues, public relations campaigns, and more. In so doing, it provides a narrative of how communication shapes the individual perceptions of health, government, and social policy concerning health care.At the core of the silicone breast implant controversy is the need for people to act amid uncertainty about the health risks involved. This need to weigh action in the midst of uncertain risk characterizes a large number of health issues. The attempts of patients, physicians, drug manufacturers, and others to seek and provide both information and influence makes communication central to these issues. Consequently, the questions explored in this volume will interest a diverse group of readers. This audience includes plastic surgeons in particular, physicians in general, and anyone involved with women's health issues. As the medical profession struggles with its identity amid changes in public attitudes, government regulations, and medical practices, this volume's findings concerning media portrayals of doctors and medical devices become even more important.Finally, this study reveals how interrelated public information and private decisions are, and how closely media and interpersonal relationships fit. Tracing one medical issue across interpersonal, organizational, public relations, and mediated forums has clearly demonstrated the multiple ways those communication channels overlap and inform one another.

This volume examines one health issue -- breast implants -- across a series of contexts often thought to be separate -- media coverage, doctor-patient interaction, doctor-doctor professional communication, support group dialogues, public relations campaigns, and more. In so doing, it provides a narrative of how communication shapes the individual perceptions of health, government, and social policy concerning health care.At the core of the silicone breast implant controversy is the need for people to act amid uncertainty about the health risks involved. This need to weigh action in the midst of uncertain risk characterizes a large number of health issues. The attempts of patients, physicians, drug manufacturers, and others to seek and provide both information and influence makes communication central to these issues. Consequently, the questions explored in this volume will interest a diverse group of readers. This audience includes plastic surgeons in particular, physicians in general, and anyone involved with women's health issues. As the medical profession struggles with its identity amid changes in public attitudes, government regulations, and medical practices, this volume's findings concerning media portrayals of doctors and medical devices become even more important.Finally, this study reveals how interrelated public information and private decisions are, and how closely media and interpersonal relationships fit. Tracing one medical issue across interpersonal, organizational, public relations, and mediated forums has clearly demonstrated the multiple ways those communication channels overlap and inform one another.

For over 30 years, The Silent Garden has offered parents of deaf children the support and unbiased information needed to fully realize their children's potential. This completely revised third edition is a must-have resource that will help parents navigate the complex and unique challenges they face. Accessible, practical, and, above all, open-minded, The Silent Garden educates parents quickly and thoroughly about the many conflicting points of view on what is best for their deaf children. Authors Paul W. Ogden and David H. Smith, who are both deaf, present examples and research that guide parents through often unfamiliar territory. From coping mechanisms for parents to advice on creating healthy home environments, the authors cover a range of topics that impact day-to-day actions and decision-making. The topic of communication is discussed extensively as communication access and language development are crucial not only for intellectual growth, but also for positive family and social relationships. The authors look at American Sign Language, English, and various other modes of communication available to deaf children.Different educational options are presented, and technology including the debate about cochlear implants is reviewed. Deaf children with special needs are considered here as well. Each topic is accompanied by real-life stories that offer further insight. Always encouraging, The Silent Garden empowers parents to be the best advocates for their deaf children. Throughout, the authors emphasize that each choice is highly personal, and they stress that all deaf children have the potential to lead rich, productive, and exciting lives.