Among the first twelve apostles called by Jesus, and known as "beloved disciple," John knew Jesus well and loved him deeply. He heard him teach and saw him perform miracles. At the last supper, John had the privilege of sitting next to Jesus and leaning against his chest (John 13:23). He was the only disciple who remained with the Lord as he was dying on the cross, where Jesus entrusted the care of his mother to him (John 19:25-27). Through prayerful reflection on Jesus' words and deeds, John understood that Jesus is the way to eternal life (John 14:6) -- a life first revealed to the disciples and then to all people: "What we have seen and heard we proclaim now to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; for our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ" (1 John 1:3 NAB). Although banished to the island of Patmos for a time, John was an active evangelist, founding many churches and proclaiming Jesus' immense love for us through hi...

A setting (or backdrop) is the time and geographic location within a narrative, either non-fiction or fiction. It is a literary element. The setting initiates the main backdrop and mood for a story. The setting can be referred to as story world or milieu to include a context (or society) beyond the immediate surroundings of the story. Elements of the setting may include culture, historical period, geography, and hour. Along with the plot, character, theme, and style, setting is considered one of the fundamental components of fiction.  Setting may refer to the social milieu in which the events of a novel occur. The elements of the story setting include the passage of time, which may be static in some stories or dynamic in others with, for example, changing seasons. A setting can take three basic forms. One is the natural world, or in an outside place. In this setting, the natural landscapes of the world play an important part in the narrative, along with living creatures and differe...

In works of narrative, conflict is the challenge main characters need to solve to achieve their goals. Traditionally, conflict is a major literary element of narrative or dramatic structure that creates challenges in a story by adding uncertainty as to whether the goal will be achieved. A narrative is not limited to a single conflict. While conflicts may not always resolve in narrative, the resolution of a conflict creates closure or fulfillment, which may or may not occur at a story's end. Conflict in literature refers to the different drives of the characters or forces involved. Conflict may be internal or external--that is, it can occur within a character's mind or between a character and exterior forces (or point/s of view). Conflict is most visible between two or more characters, usually between a protagonist and antagonist/villain/enemy, but can occur in many different forms. A character may as easily find himself or herself in conflict with a natural force, such as an an...

Industrial and organizational psychology, also known as occupational psychology, work and organizational psychology, or simply organizational psychology, is an applied discipline within psychology. Industrial, Work, and Organizational (IWO) Psychology is the broader term for the field internationally. The discipline is the science of human behavior relating to work and applies psychological theories and principles to organizations and individuals in their places of work as well as the individual's work-life more generally. IO psychologists are trained in the scientist-practitioner model. They contribute to an organization's success by improving the performance, motivation, job satisfaction, and occupational safety and health as well as the overall health and well-being of its employees. An IO psychologist conducts research on employee behaviors and attitudes, and how these can be improved through hiring practices, training programs, feedback, and management systems. Topics that...