Have your read the Pre-amble to this paper? It will provide you with a glimpse into why I have posted this somewhat dated study, which is still, in my opinion, as valid today as Covey's influence within leadership circles. It will be interesting to see if Covey's influence will hit a new high should Mitt Romney become president of the US.
A CONSIDERATION OF COVEY’S PRINCIPLES
FOR PRIVATE VICTORY
Bert Esselink
A MRRP presented in partial fulfillment of the
requirements of the degree of
Master of Arts in Leadership & Management
Briercrest Biblical Seminary
March 22, 2000
FOR PRIVATE VICTORY
Bert Esselink
A MRRP presented in partial fulfillment of the
requirements of the degree of
Master of Arts in Leadership & Management
Briercrest Biblical Seminary
March 22, 2000
Abstract
Covey has achieved worldwide acclaim for his seven-step process for developing personal effectiveness, and even within the Evangelical community, there are those who seem enamored with his proposals. Taking into account Covey’s religious views and the present day erosion of traditional orthodox Christianity, it seems clear that a careful examination of Covey’s writings is in order. This study seeks to delineate clearly Covey’s fundamental principles and the resulting Habits that relate to his defined area of Private Victory. The focus is on the need for a sharpened Biblical discernment by Christians today, the reality of the source of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (7 Habits, from here on used as reference to this book only) being Covey’s earlier book, The Divine Center, and a proper Evangelical response to Covey.
As the basis for Covey’s self-help process is exposed, careful attention is given to the clarification of the terminology that is used so as to ensure a proper understanding of his intent. It is critically important to understand the terminology used by Covey, and not to assume we understand the meaning simply because the terms are familiar. Through this process of careful examination it becomes clear that Covey has not departed far from his Mormon faith, and, even as he has openly acknowledged, his 7 Habits represent a “secular version of his faith’s solid virtues” (Kaufman-Rosen, 1995, p. 72). Having said that, however, time is taken to show how he does not represent Christianity, but continues to rest on Mormon theology, and the extent to which he has embraced New Age philosophy.
Covey deals with principles (his seven Habits and their basis) in such a masterful manner that he continues to find acceptance within a society that shuns absolutes. The key to this is the use of open language, words left undefined permitting readers to apply their own definitions. Covey’s broad popularity is undeniable, which simply underscores the need for the Evangelical community to take the time to evaluate his work Biblically; a task this study seeks to undertake. The subtlety of Covey is that even while he writes with a language that is particularly generic, he retains a perspective that is very specific. It is important to consider Covey from a Biblical perspective, and from this position to make a judgment as to the acceptability of his self-help process for the Christian. Sufficient evidence will be provided to expose Covey’s position for the man-centered philosophy that it really is, and to provide a biblical basis for rejecting Covey’s Habits as an acceptable lifestyle for the Evangelical Christian.
We live in a day that does not permit the Christian the luxury of relaxation. We are to be actively engaged in spiritual warfare; and so, with Stephen Covey, as with all writers both inside and outside Evangelical Christianity, we cannot afford to let down our guard.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION
Nature of the Problem
Significance of the Study
Purpose Statement
Research Questions
Assumptions and Definitions
Scripture
New Age
Judeo-Christian
CHAPTER 2. METHODOLOGY
CHAPTER 3. LITERATURE REVIEW
The Foundation
Covey’s Position
A Biblical Response
Conclusion
Be Proactive
Covey’s Position
A Biblical Response
Conclusion
Begin With the End in Mind
Covey’s Position
A Biblical Response
Conclusion
Put First Things First
Covey’s Position
A Biblical Response
Conclusion
CHAPTER 4. RESULTS
CHAPTER 5. DISCUSSION, CONCLUSIONS, AND IMPLICATIONS
Discussion
Conclusions
Implications
REFERENCES
Appendix A
Appendix B
Appendix C
Appendix D
Appendix E
CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION
Nature of the Problem
Significance of the Study
Purpose Statement
Research Questions
Assumptions and Definitions
Scripture
New Age
Judeo-Christian
CHAPTER 2. METHODOLOGY
CHAPTER 3. LITERATURE REVIEW
The Foundation
Covey’s Position
A Biblical Response
Conclusion
Be Proactive
Covey’s Position
A Biblical Response
Conclusion
Begin With the End in Mind
Covey’s Position
A Biblical Response
Conclusion
Put First Things First
Covey’s Position
A Biblical Response
Conclusion
CHAPTER 4. RESULTS
CHAPTER 5. DISCUSSION, CONCLUSIONS, AND IMPLICATIONS
Discussion
Conclusions
Implications
REFERENCES
Appendix A
Appendix B
Appendix C
Appendix D
Appendix E