The Wired Word for 11/3/2024  Full Document Contents/Articles/The Wired Word for 1132024.md, The Wired Word for 11/3/2024, The Wired Word. > [!note]+ Document Notes > tags: [#politics, #election, #decision_making, #ranked_choice_voting, #biblical_references, #leadership] > - #politics > - #election > - #decision_making > - #ranked_choice_voting > - #biblical_references > - #leadership > Author: Communication Resources > Source: The Wired Word > Reference: Dear Class Members, 2024 Election and Biblical Insights > date created: 2024-11-03 10:30 > > # Title: **Leadership, Decision-Making, and Election Choices in Biblical and Modern Contexts** > <!-- deep-read:sections start --> ## Table of Contents: - [📝 Summary](#-summary) - [📖 Main Content](#-main-content) - [🗒️ Notes](#-notes) - [📖 References](#-references) - [🗣️ Paraphrase](#-paraphrase) - [📰 Newsletter](#-newsletter) - [✅ Action Items](#-action-items) - [🧪 Hypotheses](#-hypotheses) - [📊 Methodology](#-methodology) - [❓ Questions](#-questions) - [🔮 Future Research](#-future-research) - [💡 Implications](#-implications) - [🧠 Learning Styles Assessment](#-learning-styles-assessment) - [📊 Accessibility Assessment](#-accessibility-assessment) - [🌍 DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) Assessment](#-deib-diversity-equity-inclusion-and-belonging-assessment) - [✅ Logical Validity](#-logical-validity) - [🔍 DARVO Analysis](#-darvo-analysis) - [🔍 SEO Evaluation](#-seo-evaluation) - [🎯 Conclusion](#-conclusion) --- ## 📝 Summary: This article compares the complexities of contemporary election methods, like ranked choice voting, with traditional methods of leadership and decision-making, drawing parallels to biblical principles. Topics include the ranked choice voting approach Portland is testing, proportional multimember districts, and historical perspectives on leadership selection, such as Jethro's advice to Moses and the Urim and Thummim's use in ancient Israel. The text also questions how faith may guide democratic participation and responsible leadership choices today. ## 📖 Main Content: The article reflects on various electoral methods across cultures, emphasizing ranked choice voting, proportional representation, and traditional forms. It also references biblical models for selecting leaders, noting how divine guidance, wisdom, and community input were emphasized in ancient contexts. Drutman advocates a multiparty system to foster diversity and compromise in U.S. politics, while also questioning the Electoral College and highlighting voter exhaustion in complex ballot systems. Parallels to decision-making in faith communities underscore the value of spiritual discernment and prayer. ### 🗒️ Notes - **Ranked Choice Voting in Portland** - Voters list candidates by preference. - Candidates with broad, cross-preference appeal may succeed. - Issues: complexity, voter fatigue, ballot exhaustion. - **Multiparty Democracy (Drutman)** - Suggests proportional multimember districts to increase representation. - Coalition-building across parties could enhance democratic engagement. - **Electoral College vs. Popular Vote** - National Popular Vote Compact as a potential alternative. - Concerns about representation, majority rule, and voter impact. - **Biblical Decision-Making** - Jethro’s guidance to Moses on delegation and discernment. - Urim and Thummim as tools for divine judgment. - Community’s role in leadership and discernment in Acts. ## 📖 References: 1. *Election of Portland's Next Mayor Has Statewide Implications*, Oregon Capital Chronicle 2. *List of Electoral Systems by Country*, Wikipedia 3. *Breaking the Two-Party Doom Loop: The Case for Multiparty Democracy in America*, Lee Drutman 4. *Cultural Influences in Decision-Making Process*, Country Navigator ## 🗣️ Paraphrase: 1. The article discusses how diverse cultures make decisions, noting that some Asian and Amish models prioritize community over individual autonomy. This contrasts with the American emphasis on personal freedom and independence. 2. Drutman argues that proportional districts and coalition-building can mitigate polarization, allowing more voices to influence policy. He emphasizes that reform is essential for innovation and cooperation within the U.S. political system. ## 📰 Newsletter: 🎉 **WordPress Community Spotlight: November 2024** Portland, Oregon, is testing ranked choice voting in its mayoral election. This method could serve as a new way to diversify representation beyond the traditional two-party structure in the U.S., potentially changing the approach to coalition-building and compromise in local and national elections. Curious about how other cultures and biblical teachings influence our modern approach to democracy? Explore the latest in open-source governance, political innovation, and community input at [The Wired Word](https://www.thewiredword.com). ## ✅ Action Items: 1. **Educational Initiative**: Highlight comparisons between ranked choice voting and traditional voting systems in WordPress community forums. 2. **Advocacy Workshop**: Lead a discussion on decision-making processes across cultures, emphasizing coalition-building and shared responsibility. 3. **Open-Source Funding**: Develop resources aligning open-source projects with sustainable, community-based decision models. 4. **OSPO Goals**: Incorporate coalition-building techniques in WordPress open-source projects to foster inclusivity and innovation. ## 🧪 Hypotheses: 1. Proportional representation in open-source project governance could increase diverse participation. 2. Faith-based approaches to leadership may provide effective community cohesion frameworks for democratic systems. ### 📊 Methodology: 1. **Survey Analysis**: Study open-source project outcomes under proportional vs. hierarchical leadership. 2. **Comparative Analysis**: Evaluate voter engagement in regions with ranked choice voting vs. traditional ballots. ### ❓ Questions: 1. How might coalition-building alter the decision-making process in open-source communities? 2. What ethical considerations should faith-based organizations address when influencing public policy? ### 🔮 Future Research: 1. **Coalition Impact**: Analyze the long-term effects of coalition-driven policies in multiparty systems. 2. **Electoral Fatigue**: Explore methods to reduce voter fatigue in complex electoral systems like ranked choice voting. ### 💡 Implications: 1. **Democratic Engagement**: Coalition-driven policies may foster voter engagement by representing diverse perspectives. 2. **Faith and Governance**: Faith-based decision models may inform ethical frameworks in governance, promoting communal responsibility. ### 🧠 Learning Styles Assessment: - **Visual**: Limited graphics; add flowcharts or voting system diagrams. - **Aural**: Lacks auditory content; recommend adding an audio summary. - **Verbal**: Detailed language supports verbal learners. - **Physical**: Could benefit from interactive examples or application exercises. - **Logical**: Logical arguments are well-presented; more data examples would benefit. - **Social**: Lacks group discussion prompts; adding forum links recommended. - **Solitary**: Reflection questions are present. - **Naturalistic**: Limited; integrate more environmental and community examples. ### 📊 Accessibility Assessment: - **Screen Reader Compatibility**: Text-based format with limited visuals. - **Keyboard Navigation**: Standard HTML accessible. - **Contrast & Readability**: High contrast; easily readable font. - **Improvements**: Alt text on graphics, if added, for visual learners. ### 🌍 DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) Assessment: - **Cultural Relevance**: Broad but U.S.-centric; suggest adding international perspectives. - **Inclusive Language**: Generally inclusive, but could simplify for non-native speakers. - **Representation**: Example expansion recommended for greater cultural representation. - **Psychological Safety**: Contains inclusive faith-based discussion prompts. ### ✅ Logical Validity: - **Logical Consistency**: Well-structured with clear cause-effect reasoning. - **Balanced Viewpoint**: Addresses pros and cons of electoral systems. - **Suggestions**: More specific examples of coalition success for broader support. ### 🔍 DARVO Analysis: No significant DARVO elements; content focuses on impartial comparison and informative tone. ### 🔍 SEO Evaluation: 1. **Keywords**: Ranked choice voting, decision-making, multiparty democracy. 2. **Meta Description**: Include concise meta with target keywords. 3. **Headers**: Well-structured with clear H2/H3s. 4. **Internal Links**: Link to resources on electoral methods. 5. **Image Optimization**: N/A but suggested for enhanced engagement. 6. **Social Sharing**: Add sharing buttons for visibility. ## 🎯 Conclusion: This article provides an informative look at election methodologies, faith-based decision-making, and democratic engagement, with a focus on coalition-building. Ranked choice voting, proposed reforms, and proportional representation are key themes, inviting reflection on how faith and policy interact in democratic systems. --- tags: [#politics, #election, #decision_making, #faith, #biblical_references] - #politics - #election - #decision_making - #faith - #biblical_references date created: 2024-11-03 10:45 --- # **Title: Answering Key Questions on Leadership, Decision-Making, and Faith-Based Perspectives in Governance** ## Table of Contents: - [1. 🗳️ Sacred Trust of Voting](#1-sacred-trust-of-voting) - [2. 🌎 Comparing Election Systems](#2-comparing-election-systems) - [3. 📊 Advantages and Disadvantages of Decision-Making Methods](#3-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-decision-making-methods) - [4. 🛤️ Faith-Based Guidance for Informed Decisions](#4-faith-based-guidance-for-informed-decisions) - [5. 🙏 Thriving Beyond Election Outcomes](#5-thriving-beyond-election-outcomes) - [6. 📜 Key Biblical Leadership References](#6-key-biblical-leadership-references) --- ### 1. 🗳️ Sacred Trust of Voting **Question:** *In what sense might casting a ballot be a sacred trust?* **Answer:** Casting a ballot can be viewed as a sacred trust because it represents not only a personal choice but also a responsibility to the wider community. Voting impacts the structure and moral direction of society, which aligns with biblical principles of stewardship and accountability. This act is a commitment to influence governance in a way that serves the common good, reflecting God’s call to justice, compassion, and communal responsibility. --- ### 2. 🌎 Comparing Election Systems **Question:** *What do you know about how other countries choose their leaders and make decisions about organizing and running their society?* **Answer:** Different countries use a variety of election systems, each with unique processes and principles: - **Ranked Choice Voting** (e.g., New Zealand, Ireland): Voters rank candidates by preference, promoting consensus. - **Parliamentary Representation** (e.g., United Kingdom): Multiple parties vie for seats, often forming coalitions. - **Proportional Representation** (e.g., Germany): Seats are allocated based on party vote percentages, supporting multiparty diversity. These systems illustrate alternatives to the two-party model, fostering coalition-building, accountability, and broader representation. --- ### 3. 📊 Advantages and Disadvantages of Decision-Making Methods **Question:** *What advantages and disadvantages do you see in different methods of making decisions that impact the wider society (ranked choice voting, holding runoffs, consensus, multiparty systems versus one- or two-party systems, popular vote versus electoral college, etc.)?* **Answer:** **Advantages:** - **Ranked Choice Voting:** Reduces polarization and encourages broad-based support, though it may be more complex. - **Multiparty Systems:** Represent diverse ideologies, promoting compromise and coalition-building. - **Popular Vote:** Reflects the majority’s direct will, providing clarity and legitimacy. **Disadvantages:** - **Ranked Choice Voting Complexity:** Can confuse voters and lead to ballot exhaustion. - **Electoral College System:** May misrepresent popular will due to geographic weighting. - **Runoffs:** Require additional resources and may deter voter turnout. --- ### 4. 🛤️ Faith-Based Guidance for Informed Decisions **Question:** *What guidance, if any, does our faith provide with regard to making informed decisions that impact the entire populace?* **Answer:** Faith provides principles that encourage discernment, integrity, and community-minded decision-making: - **Discernment and Wisdom:** Scriptures such as Psalm 25:12-14 and Proverbs 11:14 emphasize seeking wisdom and the counsel of others. - **Justice and Fairness:** Leaders are called to prioritize justice, as seen in Micah 6:8. - **Compassion for Community Needs:** Decisions should reflect care for society’s vulnerable members, embodying the values Jesus taught in Matthew 25:35-40. --- ### 5. 🙏 Thriving Beyond Election Outcomes **Question:** *How does your faith equip you to thrive, whatever happens in any given election?* **Answer:** Faith instills resilience and trust in God’s sovereignty, regardless of political outcomes. Scriptures like 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 encourage believers to "rejoice always" and "give thanks in all circumstances," fostering a hopeful outlook rooted in a higher purpose. Believers are reminded to seek God’s guidance, uphold personal integrity, and actively engage in community, finding peace and purpose beyond temporal leadership changes. --- ### 6. 📜 Key Biblical Leadership References **Scriptures on Leadership and Decision-Making:** - **Exodus 18:21-23:** Jethro’s advice to Moses on delegation. - **Acts 6:2-6:** The appointment of seven leaders in the early church, emphasizing character and community selection. - **Acts 1:23-26:** Casting lots to select a leader among the apostles, demonstrating reliance on God’s will. These passages illustrate a balance between personal responsibility, community involvement, and trust in divine guidance in decision-making. --- --- tags: [#voting, #leadership, #decision_making, #faith, #cultural_comparisons] - #voting - #leadership - #decision_making - #faith - #cultural_comparisons date created: 2024-11-03 11:15 --- # **Title: Perspectives on Voting, Leadership Decisions in Acts 15, and Cultural Values in Decision-Making** ## Table of Contents: - [1. 🗳️ Response to Voter's Statement on Conscience and Presidential Elections](#1-response-to-voters-statement-on-conscience-and-presidential-elections) - [2. 📖 Analysis of Leadership and Decision-Making in Acts 15](#2-analysis-of-leadership-and-decision-making-in-acts-15) - [3. 🌏 Cultural Comparisons in Decision-Making](#3-cultural-comparisons-in-decision-making) --- ### 1. 🗳️ Response to Voter's Statement on Conscience and Presidential Elections **Statement:** "I care enough about my own values and integrity. I have voted too many times for the lesser of two evils, or against one candidate instead of for a candidate. No more. I concentrate on making my vote count for other candidates, especially state and local levels. At this time, there is no presidential candidate who is worth violating my conscience and ethics." **Response:** This perspective reflects a thoughtful approach to voting, grounded in a commitment to personal integrity and values. Many people experience a tension when they feel their vote aligns more with opposition than genuine support. By choosing to focus on state and local elections, the individual exercises agency in areas where their vote may feel more aligned with positive action, reinforcing their values without compromising on conscience. State and local levels often directly impact issues like education, healthcare, and community development, and this strategy prioritizes meaningful participation where it matters most. This approach also resonates with the biblical emphasis on stewardship and conscience. Scriptures like Romans 14:5 highlight the importance of acting according to one’s conscience, implying that integrity in decision-making remains central, regardless of political expectations. --- ### 2. 📖 Analysis of Leadership and Decision-Making in Acts 15 **Context:** *Leadership and Decision Making in the Christian Community (Acts 15)* **Controversy:** The early church faced a critical issue over whether Gentile converts to Christianity should be required to follow Jewish laws, specifically circumcision. This matter wasn’t just theological but also affected unity and inclusion within the new community of believers. **Principal Participants and Positions:** - **Paul and Barnabas:** Advocated for the acceptance of Gentile converts without the imposition of Jewish ceremonial laws, arguing that faith in Christ was sufficient. - **The Pharisaic Believers:** Insisted that Gentiles should follow Jewish laws, including circumcision, seeing it as essential to their faith. - **The Apostles and Elders (including Peter and James):** These leaders presided over the debate, with Peter affirming that salvation through grace applied to both Jews and Gentiles. **Conflict Resolution Process:** The church gathered for open dialogue in Jerusalem, allowing each side to present their views. Peter recounted his experience with Gentile conversions, emphasizing that God made no distinction between Jewish and Gentile believers. Paul and Barnabas described similar instances of Gentiles receiving the Holy Spirit, while James referred to scripture to support inclusion without legalistic requirements. **Final Decision:** James proposed a compromise: Gentile converts should abstain from specific practices associated with idolatry but would not be bound to the full set of Jewish laws. This decision was sent in a letter to the Gentile churches, fostering unity and acceptance. **Attitudes Contributing to Resolution:** Respectful listening, reliance on scriptural guidance, and a spirit of compromise contributed to a positive outcome. Each leader prioritized the unity of believers and upheld a collaborative approach, emphasizing discernment and mutual respect. --- ### 3. 🌏 Cultural Comparisons in Decision-Making **Source:** *How Cultures Around the World Make Decisions* by Amy S. Choi **Discussion:** Amy S. Choi contrasts the U.S. emphasis on personal autonomy and individual choice with other cultures that value collective decision-making. In the United States, independence, choice, and self-definition are highly prized; people often see individual decision-making as a means to assert freedom and personal values. This model aligns with concepts of autonomy in various philosophical and economic traditions, where individual rights and choices are paramount. Conversely, other cultures prioritize collective values and decisions made in consultation with family, community, or tradition. For instance: - **Asian Cultures:** Often stress interdependence, with decisions made to maintain harmony and relationships rather than focusing solely on individual preference. - **The Amish Model:** Emphasizes belonging to a community over individual choice, with identity and purpose shaped by collective traditions rather than personal preference. Choi suggests that these contrasting decision-making models highlight different approaches to autonomy and social expectation. The American model emphasizes independence, but the collective approach fosters a sense of belonging, interdependence, and continuity. This reflects broader cultural values about what it means to be “free” and the degree to which people see themselves as part of a community versus as autonomous individuals. --- <!-- deep-read:sections end --> ## Highlights - . In what sense might casting a ballot be a sacred trust? 2. What do you know about how other countries choose their leaders and make decisions about how they organize and run their society? 3. What advantages and disadvantages do you see in different methods of making decisions that impact the wider society (ranked choice voting, holding runoffs, consensus, multiparty systems versus one- or two-party systems, popular vote versus electoral college, etc.)? 4. What guidance, if any, does our faith provide with regard to making informed decisions that impact the entire populace? 5. How does your faith equip you to thrive, whatever happens in any given election? ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01jbs4sq09whqqhwj5wn1kzx1p)) - Urim and the Thummim, ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01jbs781p5jhysefra6vgxrqrn)) - Note: --- tags: [#Urim_and_Thummim, #biblical_symbols, #divine_guidance, #ancient_Israel, #leadership_decision_making] - #Urim_and_Thummim - #biblical_symbols - #divine_guidance - #ancient_Israel - #leadership_decision_making date created: 2024-11-03 11:30 --- # **Title: The Significance of Urim and Thummim in Ancient Israelite Decision-Making** --- ## 📝 Summary: The Urim and Thummim were ancient tools used in Israelite priesthood to seek divine guidance on critical matters. These objects, placed in the high priest’s breastplate, played a significant role in leadership and decision-making, symbolizing a way to receive God’s will directly. They represented both the community’s reliance on divine wisdom and the unique responsibilities of the priesthood in mediating God’s guidance to the people. --- ### 📖 Main Content: **What are the Urim and Thummim?** The Urim and Thummim are mentioned in the Old Testament as objects placed within the high priest’s breastplate, known as the “breastplate of judgment” (Exodus 28:30). They were used by the Israelites for divination, specifically to determine God’s will in situations where direct human decision-making was insufficient or where divine insight was needed. The exact appearance and mechanism of the Urim and Thummim are unknown, but they are often thought to have functioned similarly to casting lots. **Function and Usage** The Urim and Thummim were used primarily by the high priest to seek answers from God on matters affecting the entire community, especially in times of uncertainty: - **Guidance for Leaders:** In passages like Numbers 27:21, the high priest uses the Urim and Thummim to provide direction to Israel’s leaders, such as Moses and Joshua. - **Determination of Guilt or Innocence:** They were also used in discerning guilt, as seen in 1 Samuel 14:41, where Saul seeks to identify the individual responsible for bringing guilt upon Israel. **Symbolic Significance** 1. **Divine Will and Justice:** The Urim and Thummim symbolized the idea that God’s guidance was central to the Israelite community. By consulting these objects, the high priest affirmed that decisions were subject to divine authority, not solely human reasoning. 2. **Faith and Trust:** Their use illustrated Israel’s reliance on God for justice, wisdom, and protection. Since the Urim and Thummim were consulted on critical matters, they underscored the belief that ultimate truth and guidance come from God. 3. **Priestly Mediation:** These objects highlighted the role of the high priest as a mediator between God and the people, establishing the priesthood as the link through which divine wisdom could be accessed. **Historical and Theological Context** In ancient cultures, divination was common, but the Urim and Thummim were unique to Israel in that they specifically sought the guidance of the God of Israel, YHWH, rather than pagan gods. They fit within a larger framework of how Israel’s leaders were instructed to avoid typical forms of divination (e.g., Deuteronomy 18:10-12) and instead rely on God’s revelation. **Later Use and Decline** References to the Urim and Thummim disappear after the Babylonian exile, possibly due to the shift toward prophetic guidance and written scriptures. Their diminishing use reflects a broader theological transition from immediate divine response to reliance on religious texts and wisdom traditions. --- ### 🗒️ Key Points - **Purpose**: To provide divine guidance on critical issues. - **Role in Leadership**: Used by the high priest for decisions impacting the community. - **Symbolism**: Represented divine justice, faith, and the mediating role of the priesthood. - **Historical Decline**: Became less prominent post-exile as the focus shifted to prophetic and scriptural authority. --- ### 🧠 Significance: The Urim and Thummim emphasize the importance of divine guidance in leadership and moral decisions, reminding Israel (and readers today) of the need for reliance on God’s wisdom. They also reflect ancient Israel’s view that human leadership must be accountable to a higher, divine authority. --- --- tags: [#Urim_and_Thummim, #Jewish_tradition, #divine_guidance, #ancient_Israel, #symbolism] - #Urim_and_Thummim - #Jewish_tradition - #divine_guidance - #ancient_Israel - #symbolism date created: 2024-11-03 11:45 --- # **Title: Ancient Jewish Understanding of the Urim and Thummim** --- ### 📝 Summary: In ancient Jewish tradition, the Urim and Thummim were sacred objects embedded in the high priest's breastplate, used to discern God’s will on critical issues. Jewish interpretations describe these items as instruments of divine guidance, offering a direct way for the high priest to communicate with God on behalf of the community. Symbolically, they represented divine truth, the sanctity of leadership, and the community's reliance on God. --- ### 📖 Main Content: **1. Purpose and Function** In Jewish thought, the Urim and Thummim were seen as tools for divine consultation, used by the high priest in matters affecting the entire nation. They were believed to provide God’s guidance directly, especially in cases where human insight alone was inadequate. **2. Physical Form and Operation** The physical appearance and exact mechanism of the Urim and Thummim remain uncertain, leading to various interpretations in Jewish tradition: - **Stones or Gems**: Some sources suggest that they were stones or gems within the high priest's breastplate, possibly inscribed with letters representing the tribes of Israel. - **Illumination Theory**: Talmudic sources propose that letters on the breastplate would “light up” to reveal God’s message, associated with “Urim” (light) and “Thummim” (truth or perfection). **3. Rabbinic Interpretations** Jewish scholars and sages have offered varied insights on the Urim and Thummim: - **Maimonides (Rambam)**: Maimonides suggested they operated only when the high priest was spiritually receptive, viewing them as a specialized prophetic tool. - **Rashi**: Rashi described the Urim and Thummim as bearing “the name of God,” suggesting that they allowed the high priest to discern divine responses supernaturally. - **Talmudic View**: The Talmud (Yoma 73b) explains that they were consulted only for significant national matters, affirming their sacred nature and restricted use by the high priest alone. **4. Symbolism in Jewish Thought** The Urim and Thummim held deep symbolic meaning within Jewish tradition: - **Truth and Completeness**: The terms “Urim” (light) and “Thummim” (perfection) symbolized divine truth and the completeness of God’s wisdom. - **Divine Presence**: They signified God’s presence and guidance, reinforcing that ultimate authority came from God rather than human judgment alone. - **Role of the High Priest**: They emphasized the high priest's unique role as the intermediary between God and the people, underscoring the priesthood’s sanctity. **5. Later Interpretations and Disappearance** Following the Babylonian exile, the Urim and Thummim disappeared from Jewish history and are not mentioned in later Jewish texts. This absence marks a shift in Jewish tradition from direct divine signs to reliance on Torah study, rabbinic teaching, and wisdom literature as the primary sources of guidance for the community. --- ### 🧠 Significance: The Urim and Thummim, in ancient Jewish understanding, were mysterious tools that provided divine answers to critical questions. They underscored Israel's dependence on God’s wisdom, the high priest’s special role, and the significance of seeking truth and justice under divine guidance. Their later absence represents a transition to a reliance on scripture and moral discernment. --- - Respond to this, from a woman who stated that she would not vote for president this year: "I care enough about my own values and integrity. I have voted too many times for the lesser of two evils, or against one candidate instead of for a candidate. No more. I concentrate on making my vote count for other candidates, especially state and local levels. At this time, there is no presidential candidate who is worth violating my conscience and ethics." 2. Examine this article, [Leadership and Decision Making in the Christian Community (Acts 15)](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPMqpwefFU6RvZtGmnwI4lI6pvRF-2FqCAPL4xbIxUcq1ZoOAbBvjJ6jSYNY3zbUN1S1o0R3DHUzqHgU0WaffMl2GfBAh0aPSYcN1rcreNqAmnPQZHCQjzgNNsPk6-2BeJEMkcGhIIy8Tduz6SPiidZfCGxbKQ-2Bm1giDAFubJE0MYPJX-2BbB0s7dZRdWZO7JY5Ve93gO03yCZjLssAqnKUTEhLbjihRSprW3ONkV5dlTjtfDuNUq_1_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o24BbmUguI7Zo6Os87NLrPp5dxu7ks-2B7S8VluSOyJmc-2Bwc7x-2B17bjT30urGr2EnCeznzKpP8B3qidOPFHKdAk7XUGtdGGkg6OPD2aQRAl6ei9Atowr5L8SZIEM2BF0KJeP197sIywqu3HUIKKIxMzEQx9rjwqgsUVGHDrUYvR71eW8SBPDSEthGotMrsGKzRA9QPFDwAB7M079-2FEoSMJqio-3D), for an analysis of how the early church dealt with a crucial matter that would determine the nature of the fellowship of believers. Briefly describe the controversy the church faced. Who were the principal participants, and what were their positions on the matter? How did they work through the conflict? Who made the final decision about what position the church should take? What attitudes contributed to a positive resolution of the matter? 3. Discuss this: In [How Cultures Around the World Make Decisions](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPL2AzhBiRuMboRXvctezDPfZhFpMGprmPRNi5YXOhEe9aDOojQtUg5fKLQJwdPBaCqUnFTsEckS1c5J86W3L5kw-3DkanG_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o64RUGGHhaYBq3JWe9sgrNIgyVKHtGFbdbjVi61C1YjF8jlLD1gsboHBj8x-2BQMR5G3scM6-2BYZ0jY6BbZpnUu4m9N4WaSuFiiAXpcqukxAvygID9B23-2B5APR7W0-2Flieu7lvIl80xfT2Dx71PGOH55AZmxOmcMFfb1YVYweqZTr-2B941Dy5Fo4nw9VAzD5yKiMm-2FWsnyYItreH9FshoRfJGRfw-3D)*,* journalist Amy S. Choi contrasts various ways people make decisions in different cultures. In the United States, a powerful social construct values personal autonomy, personal choice and independence over "tradition and social expectation." ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01jbs4x5zr0k5fntvqznwzjsg7)) - f *The Art of Choosing*, ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01jbs7htf0jwy2mpnv1pmb1rxs))