I am in the process of writing a dissertation project proposal for a D.Min. program in Formational Counseling. My current work in correctional psychology affords me the opportunity to work with Christians who are adult male felons in an Ohio State prison. My research question is:"What if any difference exists between a select group of Christian chaplains and a select group of inmates, self-identified as Christian, in terms of their degree of self-satisfaction with the practice of inward spiritual disciplines, i.e. prayer, mediation and outward spiritual disciplines, i.e. submission and service?" One of my research hypotheses is that institutional chaplains might be expected to have a higher degree of self-satisfaction with regard to the practice of inward spiritual disciplines while Christian inmates, many who are involved in faith-based service-intensive organizations (Kairos, Promise Keepers,etc), may be more inclined to express a higher degree of self-satisfaction wtih regard to the practice of outward spiritual disciplines, i.e. submission and service. However, is there a point where you might think that Foster's groupings of spiritual disciplines encourages a false dichotomy between "inward" and "outward" if the spiritual discipline of service, for instance, is based upon more intrinsic-faith oriented values? What do ya think? Anything you say about any of this is bound to help me--believe you me, I am in obvious need for help and discussion.