Today Matt led a discussion on seeing the world through "different pairs of sunglasses" or different perspectives. We examined the teachings of Jesus through the lense of Game Theory. Game theory is the idea that each situation can be characterized as:
zero sum game: You either have a winner or loser. For example: in a game of chess, one person wins, one loses.
Non-zero sum game: People find a way for everyone to win. Turn the other cheek is non-zero sum game. For example: A woman was kidnapped in Atlanta. She talked to her kidnapper and helped him to see the wrong in his actions. They built a relationship, and he ended up turning himself in.
Matt talked about how often times human nature can lead us to view the world from the zero sum game perspective. If at the end of your basketball game the other team shoots from half court, do you pull for them to make or miss the basket? If you are a true competitor, then you have done what you can. Now, you let the chips fall as they will. Do you wish the best for others?
Matt talked about how there were many zero-sum games in Jesus's time. The affluent and wealthy religious leaders vs. the prostitutes and sick, who were clearly the losers in that society. Jesus urged us to fight human nature and make choices designed for everyone to win, where everyone is accepted and cared for.
Agree? Disagree? Got a comment? Post it below!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Sunday, October 4th
Gayle taught the first session on Paul. She gave us an overview of his letters: (They are not chronological. They are ordered longest to shortest.)
Romans: most influential, weightiest; closest to a full explanation of Paul's beliefs
1st Corinthians: considered to be one of the most valuable. It sheds light on Paul's character and vigorously presents the gospel.
2nd Corinthians: Paul's relationship with the church was deteriorating.
Galatians: Magna Carta of Christian liberty. Time of Gentiles vs. Jews.
Ephesians: Hymns that celebrate the life of the church
Phillipians: First church started by Paul on European soil. He had a close relationship with it. He writes about issues they dealt with
Collosians: Believers are faithful; this letter was probably written by one of his students.
1st Thessolonians: Church was located in the capital of a Roman Province. It was a devoted congregation that was set apart from their community by their values.
2nd Thessolonians: This letter is an extension of the first one. It gives instruction on how to act. They believed the return of Christs was eminent.
1st & 2nd Timothy, Titus, and Philemon: These letters were all written to inviduals from Paul. these are the Pastoral letters.
Romans: most influential, weightiest; closest to a full explanation of Paul's beliefs
1st Corinthians: considered to be one of the most valuable. It sheds light on Paul's character and vigorously presents the gospel.
2nd Corinthians: Paul's relationship with the church was deteriorating.
Galatians: Magna Carta of Christian liberty. Time of Gentiles vs. Jews.
Ephesians: Hymns that celebrate the life of the church
Phillipians: First church started by Paul on European soil. He had a close relationship with it. He writes about issues they dealt with
Collosians: Believers are faithful; this letter was probably written by one of his students.
1st Thessolonians: Church was located in the capital of a Roman Province. It was a devoted congregation that was set apart from their community by their values.
2nd Thessolonians: This letter is an extension of the first one. It gives instruction on how to act. They believed the return of Christs was eminent.
1st & 2nd Timothy, Titus, and Philemon: These letters were all written to inviduals from Paul. these are the Pastoral letters.
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