Editorial comment
The third issue sees our journal consolidating upon previous issues to establish its own unique blended format of one or more innovative peer-reviewed feature papers complemented by high-interest supplementary contributions. This unique blend of peer-reviewed papers, supplementary contributions (such as research-focused letters and justified hypotheses), and engaging academic journalistic contributions of current social relevance, represents the "best-of-both-worlds". That is, within the overall scope of the journal’s mission we aspire firstly to be recognised for high quality research, and secondly to offer broad academic/social journalistic appeal like (unaffiliated) household names such as Cosmos and National Geographic. The broad range of topics collectively showcased by all issues to date truly demonstrates the multidisciplinary nature of our journal, as well as the offering of an alternative professional platform that is well-suited to Authors who wish to formally and fully share their extensive knowledge and experience for works of innovation about which they are most passionate.
The first peer-reviewed feature paper of this issue shares innovative, in-depth and practical insights surrounding critical thinking in education, and is sure to appeal to all passionate educators such is its originality and quality. The second peer-reviewed feature paper shares powerful, first-hand insights into the political scene in West Africa and the plight this has brought, and continues to bring, to Christianity in the region. In many cases the plight can only be described as devastating and, while facing such devastation will be emotionally confronting to many, we are certainly Blessed to have a Brother willing to share such first-hand experiences and knowledge through our journal.
The sufferings brought upon the innocent, including Women and Children, because of greed, hate, intolerance, and/or an egomaniacal hunger for power and violence, is mindful of the current sufferings and circumstances in Ukraine. We Pray that lessons learnt from the second feature paper will somehow contribute to motivating Blessed Peacemakers in their ending the described scenes in Africa and Ukraine, and anywhere political-based sufferings are forced upon the meek or downtrodden. The evil of a world leader recently quoting the Holy Bible and Jesus in blasphemous justification, while downtrodden peoples simultaneously place prams (commencing with well over 100) in a courtyard in symbolic memory of infant lives lost, is an abhorrence that must stop, even though the Lord will ultimately bring unrelenting Judgment and Justice to all involved with these atrocities.
Returning to a positive note, both of our feature papers demonstrate the growing international connectedness of our supporter network in line with the journal’s mission, since the feature papers have been contributed by distinguished academics from universities in Canada and Africa. One of the Authors is a Professor of Education and was holding an Acting Dean position at the time of journal preparation, and the other Author is a Professor of Political Science and Strategic Studies. We are also Blessed to have, and are thankful for, supporting international Sisters and Brothers in Reviewer capacities, including from Africa, Australia, Singapore and the USA for this issue. We hope that this broad network continues to strengthen into the future.
Contributing Authors are again thanked for their academic courage in supporting a unique and developing journal. Further to the journal’s mission, it is timely to declare that the views expressed by Authors do not necessarily reflect those of the journal or its editorial team which believe in freedom of the unhurtful expression of new and original political, religious, scientific and social (justified) ideas.
The cover photograph for this issue was again kindly and generously provided by professional photographer Sedg White (see previous issue Editorial). Sedg has no vested interest or other involvement in the journal or the Christian University for Australia Initiative, which makes his gift even more generous. Like for the last issue, we were given full choice from Sedg’s extensive Facebook album collection, which all are encouraged to view. The final decision was certainly difficult because of the large volume of beautiful photographs, and because of the topics of contributed papers (which for this issue contain abstract, political, etc. themes). Ultimately, the photograph was simply chosen because of its tranquil beauty, but the many associations in the Holy Bible, and elsewhere, with trees of life, knowledge, and strength, particularly about water sources, also undoubtedly provided inspiration. It is amazing that out of hundreds of photographs, from many different places, the one finally chosen was unknowingly from Sedg’s home town, in his words:
“There is probably not too much to say about the photo except it was taken by myself at 6.35am on the 16th Sept 2007 at the Coonamble Weir. Coonamble is located in the Central Western part of New South Wales and was where I was born and bred. It had been many years since I had visited the old town. I remember it as a beautiful peaceful morning with no other people about so I had the place to myself. Lovely colours and reflections were being witnessed along with the early morning sun shining on the old gum tree.”
Respectfully acknowledged are the original inhabitants, the Kamilaroi, Kawambari and Weilwam Indigenous Peoples, of the Central Western plains of New South Wales.
The above likely explains Sedg’s goodness of Spirit, having grown up in the country. It may be difficult to see, but in addition to our primary reason for photograph selection, specific artistic connection with issue articles can be found, and we would be most pleased to hear the artistic interpretations of readers.
The supplementary communication within this third issue is contributed by our Chief Editor (taking the role of a returning journalist, and indeed all established or aspiring academic journalists who are supportive of our mission are encouraged to undertake such a role on a recurring basis). The article briefly scientifically reviews a neurological illness that is largely baffling to modern medicine and which continues to have an enormous social impact. The article additionally presents and reflects upon an interesting clinical Case Study which in turn showcases another positive outlet feature of our journal.
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