Religious thinkers have overlooked an important truth: God's act of creation is interpersonal and immediately causes only perfect creatures with perfect freedom to respond. Uniquely integrating and deepening what traditional theists have always believed, the author relates the untold story of freedom in creation. Particular attention is given to the unconscious dimension of the mind and to its roots in the spiritual. The book highlights the infinite freedom of God and the perfect finite freedom of all persons within the Creator's activity. Awakening to God's gift of two different, but intimately related creations...absolute (out of nothing) and redemptive (out of something)...twenty-first century believers are offered a momentous opportunity for humility and joy. Readers are given a whole new vista for understanding suffering and love.

Whether you are a student preparing for a career in public administration, mid-career professional manager or seasoned veteran, A Guidebook for City and County Managers provides policy guidance and advice to local governmental challenges and issues. Assuming a knowledge of the basics of public management, James M. Bourey provides real world recommendations for issues managers are facing this decade and beyond. Relying on experience from his long career in local government in chief executive positions in city, county and regional council management in locations throughout the US, Bourey outlines the best approaches to the most critical issues for local governments. The book is comprehensive in its breadth of subject matter yet targeted in the recommendations which focus on the most critical issues. Social equity, environmental protection and global warming, good fiscal management, adequate public infrastructure and active citizen engagement are important themes throughout. Merely being an administrative caretaker is not sufficient; managers must have the knowledge of ways to improve their communities and take the initiative to enhance the quality of life of its residents. Making a difference is both the reason for the job and its reward. This book helps to provide a roadmap for the journey.