CHAPTER 2 - METHODOLOGY
The focus of this study is on the foundational and personal aspects of Covey’s 7 Habits, the much acclaimed self-help book on rediscovering character as the critical basis for personal development. This study includes the first three Habits that Covey expounds and the superstructure upon which they, as well as the balance of the seven Habits, rest. As Covey’s model for his seven Habits indicates (see Appendix A), there is a progressive element to the Habits, a sense in which each Habit is built upon those that precede it. With such a structure, it is critically important to understand the basis for the proposal (those underlying principles that form the foundation upon which that first brick is laid), as well as each level, that becomes a support for subsequent levels. A bottom-up approach has been adopted for this study, in keeping with Covey’s model for the seven Habits; that is, first consideration is given to the foundational principles, and then to each of the three Habits in turn.
These four areas of consideration have been developed along three aspects: an unfolding of Covey’s proposal, a response from a Biblical perspective, and concluding comments. The first section endeavors to present Covey’s full position in clear terms for the reader, with little or no interpretation. Following that is a section that provides definition and Biblical clarification on the matters that Covey deals with; and then concluding comments that seek to summarize the section, to provide a discerning response to Covey, and to bring closure to the section under consideration.
Clearly, this study is qualitative in nature, as opposed to a study of quantitative, measurable matter: a weighing of a philosophical position in light of Christian authorship and a personal understanding of the Biblical standard. We view all things through our personal paradigm of life, our objectivity being limited only by our willingness to change our opinion in light of new discoveries. It is the intent of this study to bring the reader to two decisions: (1) to either exercise greater caution in the use of Stephen Covey’s material or to set it aside altogether, and (2) to employ greater discernment when approaching the writings of men, no matter who they may be.
These four areas of consideration have been developed along three aspects: an unfolding of Covey’s proposal, a response from a Biblical perspective, and concluding comments. The first section endeavors to present Covey’s full position in clear terms for the reader, with little or no interpretation. Following that is a section that provides definition and Biblical clarification on the matters that Covey deals with; and then concluding comments that seek to summarize the section, to provide a discerning response to Covey, and to bring closure to the section under consideration.
Clearly, this study is qualitative in nature, as opposed to a study of quantitative, measurable matter: a weighing of a philosophical position in light of Christian authorship and a personal understanding of the Biblical standard. We view all things through our personal paradigm of life, our objectivity being limited only by our willingness to change our opinion in light of new discoveries. It is the intent of this study to bring the reader to two decisions: (1) to either exercise greater caution in the use of Stephen Covey’s material or to set it aside altogether, and (2) to employ greater discernment when approaching the writings of men, no matter who they may be.
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