The Wired Word for 03022025 - CourtneyR.dev's 2nd Brain

The Wired Word for 03/02/2025 ![rw-book-cover](https://readwise-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/static/images/article2.74d541386bbf.png) ## Metadata - Author: [[The Wired Word]] - Full Title: The Wired Word for 03/02/2025 - Category: #articles - Document Note: --- tags: - #Ethics - #Technology - #Religion Author: The Wired Word Team Source: The Wired Word Reference: Email newsletter for the week of March 2, 2025 date created: 2025-03-02 12:57 --- # Title: The Introduction of Robot Umpires in Major League Baseball and its Ethical Implications ## Table of Contents: 1. [📝 Summary](#summary) 2. [📖 Main Content](#main-content) 3. [🗒️ Notes](#notes) 4. [🗣️ Paraphrase](#paraphrase) 5. [📰 Newsletter](#newsletter) 6. [✅ Action Items](#action-items) 7. [🧪 Hypotheses](#hypotheses) 8. [❓ Questions](#questions) 9. [🔮 Future Research](#future-research) 10. [💡 Implications](#implications) 11. [🌍 DEIB Assessment](#deib-assessment) 12. [✅ Logical Validity](#logical-validity) 13. [🔍 DARVO Analysis](#darvo-analysis) 14. [🔍 SEO Evaluation](#seo-evaluation) 15. [🎯 Conclusion](#conclusion) ### References: - The New York Times - Popular Science - The Bible ## 📝 Summary: The newsletter discusses the transition in Major League Baseball (MLB) from human umpires to robot umpires, equipped with the Hawk-Eye computer vision system, which is more accurate in calling balls and strikes. It raises ethical questions about the role of technology in human activities and the implications of removing human judgment from decision-making processes. ## 📖 Main Content: The MLB is experimenting with robot umpires during spring training games, allowing players to challenge the calls of human umpires. This change, driven by technology's promise of greater accuracy, ignites debates on the integrity of the game and the balance between tradition and technological innovation. ### 🗒️ Notes - **Introduction of Robot Umpires**: Testing during MLB spring training games. - **Technology Used**: Hawk-Eye computer vision system. - **Human Element**: Concerns about the diminishing role of human judgment. - **Ethical Implications**: Discussion on the nature of sin and human error in ethical decision-making. ## 🗣️ Paraphrase: - **Original**: "This technology only cares about one thing: Was that pitch in the strike zone or not?" — Morgan Ensberg - **Paraphrased**: Morgan Ensberg notes that the technology is solely focused on whether a pitch falls within the strike zone, without any other considerations. - **Original**: "The strike zone is the same. With runners on base. Ninth inning. First inning. Third inning. Key situation. Non-key situation. It is exactly what it is." — Morgan Ensberg - **Paraphrased**: Ensberg emphasizes the consistency of the strike zone across different stages and situations in the game, highlighting the impartiality of the technology. ## 📰 Newsletter: Explore the latest in web development with our focus on new plugins, community highlights, and essential updates. Dive into how emerging technologies, like robot umpires in baseball, are influencing decision-making processes in sports and beyond. Stay updated, stay informed, and leverage these insights to enhance your tech-savvy community. ## ✅ Action Items: As a Developer Advocate at GoDaddy, focus on how the integration of technology in traditional fields like MLB can serve as a case study for advocating the use of open-source tools in developing similar technologies. Explore funding opportunities for projects that enhance technological fairness and accuracy. ## 🧪 Hypotheses: - **H1**: Implementing robotic umpires will reduce human error in baseball games. - **H2**: The acceptance of robotic umpires by players and fans will increase over time as the technology proves its reliability. ### ❓ Questions: - How might the introduction of robot umpires change the culture of baseball? - What are the potential long-term impacts on player strategies and fan engagement? ### 🔮 Future Research: - Study the psychological impact of robotic umpires on players. - Investigate the fan reception and its influence on game attendance and viewership. ### 💡 Implications: Research could lead to broader acceptance and optimization of robotic umpires, potentially setting a precedent for automation in other sports and industries. ### 🌍 DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) Assessment: **Cultural Relevance**: Include diverse perspectives on technology's impact on sports across different cultures. **Inclusive Language**: Ensure communication about robotic umpires is accessible to non-technical audiences. ### ✅ Logical Validity: **Sound Reasoning**: The argument for robot umpires based on accuracy and impartiality is strong and well-supported by data. **Potential Fallacies**: The appeal to tradition fallacy could arise, where opposition is based only on the preservation of traditional methods without considering the benefits of new technology. ### 🔍 DARVO Analysis: **Deny**: There is no direct denial, but traditionalists might deny the benefits of technology in sports. **Attack**: No evident attacks. **Reverse Victim and Offender**: Not applicable. ### 🔍 SEO Evaluation: **Keywords**: robot umpires, MLB, Hawk-Eye system, technology in sports **Content Length**: Enhance the discussion to cover detailed aspects of technology integration in sports. ## 🎯 Conclusion: The shift to robot umpires in MLB reflects broader trends towards automation and precision in sports, presenting both challenges and opportunities for ethical consideration and technological acceptance. - Document Tags: [[wired word]] - Summary: Major League Baseball is moving toward replacing human home plate umpires with much less fallible machines, a shift which makes us wonder about how we spot the errors of our ways, and who decides what is right or wrong. Dear Class Members, Major League Baseball is moving toward replacing human home plate umpires with much less fallible machines, a shift which makes us wonder about how we spot the errors of our ways, and who decides what is right or wrong. This installment of *The Wired Word* will focus on how sin is still a problem for us, even though we have the reliable guides of the Bible and Christian theology, and will ask the question of whether technology such as robots could ever help us to stay on the right path. ![](https://www.thewiredword.com/_img/tww_logo_email.jpg) **Robot Umpires Are Beginning to Call Balls and Strikes*****The Wired Word*** **for the Week of March 2, 2025** **In the News** Very few changes have occurred in the 149-year history of Major League Baseball (MLB). Tradition has been strong, although the pitcher's mound was lowered in 1968 and instant replay challenges were introduced in 2014. More recently, in 2023, the pitch clock became part of the game, an innovation which requires pitchers to begin their motion within 15 seconds if there are no runners on base (20 seconds if there are runners). But now, according to *Popular Science*, a change is coming that may be "the most contentious issue ever." MLB is moving toward replacing human home plate umpires with much less fallible machines. Baseball games officiated by so-called "robot umpires" are close to reality. Starting this year, batters during spring training games will have the option to challenge a traditional umpire's pitch calls and have them immediately reviewed by a machine. A human will still stand behind the plate and call balls and strikes, but the new "robot umpire," powered by a computer vision system called "Hawk-Eye," will be tracking every pitch. Players from both teams will each have two "challenges" per game, which they can use to compare the human call with the machine's assessment. This spring is a crucial trial period, during which player and fan reactions will determine whether the new technology becomes the norm. Although this hybrid umpire system will not be used in regular season games this year, many people are feeling that robot umpires are going to be the officials of the future. This technology "only cares about one thing," reports *The New York Times*: "Was that pitch in the strike zone or not?" These new robot umps are not influenced by the ways that humans call balls and strikes. Currently, human umpires will adapt to the reality of a game, being more lenient in high-pressure situations like close games (potentially leading to a wider strike zone), or tighten up in blowouts where the umpire might call a more strict zone. But the word "adapt" is not in the vocabulary of a robot. "No matter the situation," says Morgan Ensberg, the manager of the Durham Bulls, "the zone is the same. With runners on base. Ninth inning. First inning. Third inning. Key situation. Non-key situation. It is exactly what it is." *Popular Science* notes that the invisible "strike zone" has precise dimensions, but they vary from batter to batter -- in general, the strike zone is the width of the home plate and height of the area between a batter’s shoulders and the bottom of their knees. Human umpires attempt to enforce these strike zone guidelines, but research has shown that their strike zones end up looking less like a rectangle and more like an oval. It is close to impossible for a human umpire to make perfect judgments on 100-mile-per-hour fastballs and quickly plummeting curveballs. The Hawk-Eye robot umpire has a more accurate view of the strike zone because it employs a special camera to track a baseball's path from multiple angles. These images are fed into a computer vision algorithm that determines the ball's final location. While the robot's assessments are not mathematically perfect, their judgments are more accurate over time than the human eye. Hawk-Eye systems are already being used at most professional tennis tournaments, and are also being employed by the National Football League for certain instant replay reviews. The MLB began using Hawk-Eye for video replay of certain calls in 2014, but not for calling balls and strikes. The new review system is formally called the Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS). For now, the ABS is going to offer a middle ground, using both humans and robots. Hawk-Eye will work behind the scenes to track every pitch, but teams will have the option to call on it twice per game as a challenge to the home plate umpire. ABS challenges can be requested only by the hitter, the pitcher or the catcher. Once a challenge is made, a graphic showing Hawk-Eye's call will be shown on the main video board for everyone to see. If the human umpire's call was correct, the team loses one of its challenges. If the human was incorrect, the team retains its two challenges. So, in theory, a team could challenge balls and strikes more than twice per game. How do teams and players feel about robot umpires? According to *The New York Times,* most seem to like it. Dodgers pitcher Tyler Glasnow saw it when he was rehabbing in the minor leagues and said, "Oh, it was so much fun -- because (when you challenge and you're right), you feel vindicated." His teammate Freddy Freeman supports the ABS, but worries that some guys would "challenge every (pitch), that every strike call would be challenged and we're going to run out in the first inning." It is best for players to be smart, cool and thoughtful. Most of all: Don't get too emotional! More on this story can be found at these links: [Robot Umps Are Here: What MLB Players Need to Know to Navigate ABS This Spring.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPJjqs9eTHTvMgxKUxOrSDPr2RuWoW5-2FaOf4Rt4xvjJdCVrROYdo3ojdnADfM1Wdaz0Hqh11caxAFGsxto8NqDhaQBLm28ViLu1RsbBNrqxtQMkWWUI7lKW-2Bp3Azq9uAPUQ-3D-3D4PDJ_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmV6mxYHecYDecIKqpBWNFsX151nYTqiPujykeL-2B-2FFc-2BOMSeAbCa-2FUzJiW6dc8sv0wXmawA2jZdHXz0Jncy20Aihj6PSbDh84lLrI4SJm6I1tv2WKN-2FAN958ESr9L1cAVknI8Se15UlmkvgfSiXUYqF3ihTI-2BJziW5ikK6W5IiACoPObtyzVtU0BLpwKoEcrzq-2FkDvFECRc1u3mRIm2Lg0G8yPWNN0ZOFHdn2-2F7JjG94GPSwKlcDLH13GZDtPKah-2B2xPm1YElNMk-2FbEnTOPkxW7M-3D) [*The New York Times*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPJjqs9eTHTvMgxKUxOrSDPr2RuWoW5-2FaOf4Rt4xvjJdCVrROYdo3ojdnADfM1Wdaz0Hqh11caxAFGsxto8NqDhaQBLm28ViLu1RsbBNrqxtQMkWWUI7lKW-2Bp3Azq9uAPUQ-3D-3DVAzD_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmV6mxYHecYDecIKqpBWNFsX151nYTqiPujykeL-2B-2FFc-2BOMSeAbCa-2FUzJiW6dc8sv0waYJy6HldLeR1zrfoSWwR2EC-2BWXK99xd3d23kT7Ndkkqp5EkNBPcEvIAI1-2BPhuqMgWJwx2eu1gJTWPKHupJCZ-2FkM3WyAAXheMRVlnAMlmvjoSO37fvyUXNFpFDKNDRHmvGFi0xxupiNDk-2B50P9dLxbcnQIG1Hy6M4aRp0lLNLxIEG-2FOEd0Xua5Z5TZB10zAgZitErguj4KlYmHLeKRF3arg-3D) [This Could Be Baseball's Last Season Without 'Robot Umpires.'](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPBrLDSUz-2Bfm-2FYA-2Flxjj58a495mLepp-2B-2F4T-2FQf-2FGj7S1WCm6ja9yvcPnfcNZ-2FRrsYjw-3D-3Df1SN_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmV6mxYHecYDecIKqpBWNFsX151nYTqiPujykeL-2B-2FFc-2BOMSeAbCa-2FUzJiW6dc8sv0wX71Ruc0oDS-2FSXfhrNZ4ZZDUvDUHtJz1D0yVk7di3Uc1OxW3oscinNHFgPqpCLEGiq0w15TR0c5DeZwkM4lnZnn575JwUtF2c59Nfeig-2BzMmHmUJnsLwKpchlZVwkFBauQxA4nqgGNxZSouR4Nwpu1BdQStsSaU7GPxGAHPhGzwLLjLHX-2FGJJudTU0pzeclAXZFi6kZBFi7em0WlFf3Sk-2Bw-3D) [*Popular Science*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPBrLDSUz-2Bfm-2FYA-2Flxjj58a495mLepp-2B-2F4T-2FQf-2FGj7S1WCm6ja9yvcPnfcNZ-2FRrsYjw-3D-3DeuBW_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmV6mxYHecYDecIKqpBWNFsX151nYTqiPujykeL-2B-2FFc-2BOMSeAbCa-2FUzJiW6dc8sv0wb5ibhmfVHLseEollRAvPsjmOBeBJp3mJJRuG1Rj2tsM5SFExoch6HOPK5tixTLDMDv9h1pPDO3-2F9FisfDo2xs9XeYQXOHi4SHUCdtU4CCqDXCiiBe5rEG-2FhZYhC8kmSKsXsaeKr4x5n4fEKMlFR5zXqTYqaSqwI84XDW8KyLiB3mWH3tIATShk-2BBTMPlMuvxn1Pjh2nwRdGshJkxkRcGJ8-3D) **Applying the News Story** TWW Team Member Timothy Merrill wonders, "Are we good at spotting the errors of our own ways? Who decides what is right or wrong? What is the nature of sin? Will these robots end the arguments? We have the Bible and we still seem to have trouble telling right from wrong." Use this lesson as an opportunity to discuss these and other questions. **The Big Questions** 1. When have you spotted the error of your ways, and what did you do about it? When, if ever, have you failed to make the right call and caused harm to yourself or others? 2. In your life, who decides what is right and wrong -- yourself, your family, your friends, the church, society? What resources help you to make correct judgments? 3. The strike zone for robot umpires only changes due to the physical size of the batter, yet other considerations also influence human umpires. When, if ever, has your view of a particular sin been changed by an evolving life situation? 4. When have you challenged a judgment that was made of you, or made of another person? What was the outcome? 5. The Bible and Christian theology may be reliable guides to ethical behavior, but still we sin. How might technology such as robots help us to stay on the right path? Would there be value to removing emotion from judgment? Discuss. **Confronting the News With Scripture and Hope**Here are some Bible verses to guide your discussion: **Deuteronomy 1:17***You must not be partial in judging: hear out the small and the great alike; you shall not be intimidated by anyone, for the judgment is God's. Any case that is too hard for you, bring to me, and I will hear it.* (For context, read [Deuteronomy 1:9-18](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzx8vT-2B4JcJ5j8RqGNYnps4kukMBQeT04RmGmyV0wTIdjo2nx-2FYTnsoUW3zaIMEcQ6W1-qT_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmV6mxYHecYDecIKqpBWNFsX151nYTqiPujykeL-2B-2FFc-2BOMSeAbCa-2FUzJiW6dc8sv0wWu0ZaamVPDLkvGrTK-2BD4dffJgueCFkW1BU0iyYxtGFAf5s8P9GUh0FPDoGYJxJdFWZaCH14-2FMIAkkKzFGBKVmKCu8zUSQDMm0yTUgN2diXfNxOgAgdolXIOcfMDl1znI3TUIi32J4SfvLH7RyeUOdd54-2FN-2BUJmTPOvsuTFxQYawTRRkqImB44mpLC2lwMKG3Y3CTEs6XKqAjKtvW3whcf8-3D).) Deuteronomy is a Greek word meaning "second law," and it contains the laws which the Israelites receive as they prepare to cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land. In the first chapter, Moses realizes that he cannot bear the burden of leadership alone, so he appoints leaders and judges to implement justice with wisdom and impartiality. In particular, he charges the judges to give the members of the community "a fair hearing and judge rightly between one person and another, whether kin or resident alien" (v. 16). Moses wants everyone to be treated fairly and to be given legal protection and rights, both the members of the people of Israel and the foreigners who live among them. "You must not be partial in judging," he tells them, "for the judgment is God's." But he offers to help by saying that if any case is too hard for them, "bring [it] to me, and I will hear it." > **Questions:** Why is impartiality such an important quality in judging? What happens when people are not given a fair hearing? How can members of your church community, like the leaders and judges appointed by Moses, be involved in resolving difficulties in the congregation in an impartial way? **Psalm 98:8-9***Let the floods clap their hands; let the hills sing together for joy at the presence of the LORD, for he is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness and the peoples with equity.* (For context, read [Psalm 98:1-9](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxBawxGRgKEz9tjqzf5zgEQRdOgrUlctApSMSCq-2FjGFNp-2Bh9GzkLPvI4B3sfCN-2BVp7vnFc_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmV6mxYHecYDecIKqpBWNFsX151nYTqiPujykeL-2B-2FFc-2BOMSeAbCa-2FUzJiW6dc8sv0wdjbfAoa5fmpneGaqI-2BLtI-2FrRbHGPxYKaO7Q6ymYW1w6BaoRkBYNLW2MmGdlOBJ1i6eL6ZPgO-2BnStRPGmWqvwQRoXErmVI2LzP8CfJeEzlfmjmplaMMSBaPoday4enKp3TZsmdwx1gmmYCBnrXrbxaSX6-2FbU7P92KRPy4IRTjixUIrid-2FREkuN-2BulKCojGkA8W3Dz5RtE8ZPxEcBZZj5w7c-3D).) Psalm 98 is a hymn of praise to God, the judge of the world. It begins with a call to praise the God who "has done marvelous things" (v. 1) and "has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness" (v. 3). It then invites people to "make a joyful noise before the King, the LORD" (v. 6). Throughout the first six verses, it is clear that God is a powerful and victorious divine ruler. The focus changes in the last three verses with a call for the natural world to praise the Creator. The hymn includes the invitation, "Let the sea roar" (v. 7), "the floods clap their hands, "and "the hills sing together." This praise is based on the expectation that God "will judge the world with righteousness and the peoples with equity." God will move to bring all creation into right relationship with the Creator, judging everything fairly. When God judges "with equity," it means he will consider all sides of a situation and make a decision based on what is truly just, not based on personal biases or power dynamics. > **Questions:** What does it mean to you that God is the judge of the world, and that all of his judgments will be made with righteousness and equity? How does this aspect of God's nature influence your judgments of yourself and others? In what sense is God like a robot umpire, one for whom "the zone is the same. Ninth inning. First inning. Third inning. Key situation. Non-key situation. It is exactly what it is"? Discuss. **John 8:10-11***Jesus straightened up and said to her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" She said, "No one, sir." And Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again."* (For context, read [John 8:2-11](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxh31-2FzSZVIagnBHQLNyA5jV-2FDM7Ft8n51OcN4NiqHkmSEon2FT99KyPHkn-2F22g0NUat64_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmV6mxYHecYDecIKqpBWNFsX151nYTqiPujykeL-2B-2FFc-2BOMSeAbCa-2FUzJiW6dc8sv0wXLI1avi7un7HYIsZW3oFTC5F1qzxBPoM-2Bvu18ozTabeobOgQQcMvkdq7fg2Ny-2F9-2FfIo7EY04K6pHt7Mw8d-2ByueSw-2BWuxb5AlLjQwd7YBCHUABllMyd7Qzq3-2FSpM4JeY-2FrM7yHei7Bbc9P-2FV4f-2FOp99utexCk35MebGVFRHTC6PgdI4Vwm7wm7V3q0mqoXKU8HLpblUTptqB02-2FIRgbuOl0-3D).) The story of the woman caught in adultery is found only in John, although in some ancient versions of the Bible it appears after Luke 21:38. The story begins with Jesus teaching people in the temple, and in the middle of his lesson a group of scribes and Pharisees brings a woman to him. She has been caught in adultery, and the scribes and Pharisees try to test and trap Jesus by saying that "in the law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" (v. 5). Instead of responding immediately, Jesus bends down and writes with his finger on the ground. They keep pestering him with questions, and he says to them, "Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her" (v. 7). Then he returns to writing on the ground. The scribes and Pharisees ponder his words and then walk away, one by one. Jesus is left alone with the woman, with no one to condemn her. Jesus says, "Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again." The story is a powerful illustration of Jesus' compassion and forgiveness, one in which he reveals the hypocrisy of the men who were judging the woman (perhaps he was writing their sexual sins on the ground). Jesus knows that everyone is flawed and deserving of grace, not condemnation. > **Questions:** What do you find significant about the response of Jesus to the scribes and Pharisees, who were "calling strikes" according to the law of Moses? When are compassion and forgiveness a better response than condemnation? How does forgiveness enable you to return to God's path? **Jude 14-15***It was also about these that Enoch, in the seventh generation from Adam, prophesied, saying, "See, the Lord is coming with ten thousands of his holy ones, to execute judgment on all and to convict all the ungodly of all the deeds of ungodliness that they have committed in such an ungodly way and of all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against him."* (No context needed.) The author of this short letter was Jude, "a servant of Jesus Christ," and he was writing to people "who are beloved in God the Father and kept safe for Jesus Christ" (v. 1). He warned his fellow Christians about false teachers who made the case that God’s grace could be used as an excuse to practice immoral living, which he saw as a denial of the lordship of Christ. Jude grounded his thoughts in scripture, which for him was the whole Hebrew Bible. Drawing on scripture and Christian tradition, he tells stories of Sodom and Gomorrah, the archangel Michael, Cain, Balaam, and finally Enoch, who prophesied about the coming of the Lord "to execute judgment on all." Jude clearly found inspiration and ethical guidance in the whole of Holy Scripture. > **Questions:** How do the Bible and Christian tradition shape your understanding of an ethical life? When have you ever challenged the rulings of other people on moral matters? Where do you find ethical guidance in the Christian community, and how do you apply it? **For Further Discussion** 1. In related news, TWW Team Member Timothy Merrill reports that the New York Yankees have parted with tradition and said, ["Beards Are Now Allowed."](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPJjqs9eTHTvMgxKUxOrSDPqjLtRPR8RcVWv8PLqcx-2Bs1Amyhf94OVot-2FNnLbinlqQ3QaaWW3zvm49sxC0ueiBlwu1-2B1-2BnS-2BJtMEcuqwW8d9FgIZ8aaBJIpBjo6WRRgbpsg-3D-3DqXXP_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmV6mxYHecYDecIKqpBWNFsX151nYTqiPujykeL-2B-2FFc-2BOMSeAbCa-2FUzJiW6dc8sv0wbI27xOqlGueV5e5NWz-2B-2FPuq9SG6YKaYYsDLU3c1fNsbFD8YTLVe5RQIvAeTR9qjpINopONOnhLwRLcUxP9CbTW3g0-2FMWMvWjmLMYt90NHtxu7hyvViFkt6sjupRQpMf9jQvVbKF1gZxN990fLBEXtvHvNyFfoPG4Mde6xR-2BGonbkSfempqER3QziwAgGwTt09lEUmzzgaHR8l8NHtxk6Ok-3D) The team is ending its long-standing policy on facial hair and will allow "well-groomed beards." How do you decide when to change a tradition? What factors do you consider before making a change? 2. In his book *After Virtue: A Study in Moral Theology*, philosopher Alasdair MacIntyre wrote that a human being is "a teller of stories that aspire to truth." The Bible is just such a set of stories, and its narratives reveal to us what is true about our faith, our community and ourselves. In the story of the judgment of the nations in [Matthew 25:31-46](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxEE9arX6m0yHZZAbtNhYaDcVRcnTBIowhZZwDlMqPEdNSp8fMb1gt-2B-2BBSeaqSjRVDJHvk_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmV6mxYHecYDecIKqpBWNFsX151nYTqiPujykeL-2B-2FFc-2BOMSeAbCa-2FUzJiW6dc8sv0wZ5ozSKIJWNcnnF7VI71zlIXnLJrrRM513c3iVl3Jf0lXwwP02BbF3iLOWu-2F9H-2BIWbzLEjJR5JEKEzFtm05NNogh8-2Fi1ZwZkJcmHaxi7klLSgwQ5wnreOuRcPubukgdORnZ0Sjzglnann-2FxFeLxVld0aX1yb0QaopkH3KcIzR83lNekv3yCDrX3WmPlhaH8AvYmbK3uRwt9DkJIZwKs7q1I-3D), Christ speaks about what will happen when he "comes in his glory and all the angels with him" (v. 31). He will "separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats" (v. 32). The sheep will be placed on his right hand and the goats on the left. To the sheep, he will say "Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world" (v. 34). This kingdom is offered to the sheep because of their compassion and service to those in need. Jesus says, "for I was hungry and you gave me food" (v. 35). How are you preparing for this day of judgment? What other biblical stories shape your understanding of a good and truth-filled life? 3. The internet is full of devotional guides and Bible studies that can be used by individuals and church communities. Biblical and theological questions can even be entered into search engines, with answers being provided by AI (Artificial Intelligence). When such technology shapes your faith, how do you decide what to believe and act on? 4. MLB is looking for the right balance between human umpires and robot umpires. How do you strike a balance between humanity and technology in your daily life? What do you do when you begin to feel that you are suffering from imbalance? What helps you to get on the right path? **Responding to the News** Look to God and Jesus for guidance in making righteous judgments. Instead of always "calling strikes," remember to show forgiveness and compassion to yourself and others. **Prayer** Mighty God, we thank you for judging all peoples with equity and righteousness. Help us to be fair and impartial in our judgments, while showing the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. ****Copyright 2024 Communication Resources**** [Unsubscribe From This List](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/asm/unsubscribe/?user_id=14323725&data=sxHIVn4bZTQvaK1xO-vn_lrJlVmp9HNirpEQFxa0Em9oMDAwdTAwMKEGVJSbYah-yzpAEzLw2j1zG5p-6uu4Lt9SFL4IEL7GduBWVLUj9p6pkp9GxCACIRDct6A7SeryyxgJ7kclWkF3UM7oHJzWe8N88wzz0hht8n5m5fXKPgQViZeZje9nT7F2983fLE8GtyK5xh715bT3-LM6S93Lo-X92nxtQa0HmXZzecyBefnH3-XFcu_V_zOWTTXve477zMax1EFNXwLsHSDH1U75SZL5nP-hfge4w8gsu_XzFLdWqOH3b7A4PRBOH7ivQO5mcU49RQNpZOoJ1BNOajW11dOV0Kj3bxKLKUs64T0RsBR2SI4noctMDXK4cW2LocmDK87QQgzXJ_0Fn5Mv8dJ9JAajgy-fPEgQ5Jtsn1CueoO3BD6nCfG4vaoZcOXuY_Iii0UhkN7Uanot4k87MZkTUe8VdYnAGA1Z-JfJfYzZMaNdSEV4GfBDipGV_acqMFnTBSJKJOQ0F1ikWY-8r-Id5PKpwqlCD5mtVw8-1gc2QJ2tFR5n4yBTtqtIRtO55-B_xPkRvhoZ1EzJb-XisDy5w35Jn9tgaqXBS1VNLA1OMzrXUsspPUjNXkoY070nH0zq-rpLjuCh9D8=) <div>Dear Class Members, Major League Baseball is moving toward replacing human home plate umpires with much less fallible machines, a shift which makes us wonder about how we spot the errors of our ways, and who decides what is right or wrong. This installment of The Wired Word will focus on how sin is still a problem for us, even though we have the reliable guides of the Bible and Christian theology, and will ask the question of whether technology such as robots could ever help us to stay on the right path. <center><img src="https://www.thewiredword.com/\_img/tww\_logo\_email.jpg"/></center> Robot Umpires Are Beginning to Call Balls and Strikes The Wired Word for the Week of March 2, 2025 In the News Very few changes have occurred in the 149-year history of Major League Baseball (MLB). Tradition has been strong, although the pitcher's mound was lowered in 1968 and instant replay challenges were introduced in 2014. More recently, in 2023, the pitch clock became part of the game, an innovation which requires pitchers to begin their motion within 15 seconds if there are no runners on base (20 seconds if there are runners). But now, according to Popular Science, a change is coming that may be "the most contentious issue ever." MLB is moving toward replacing human home plate umpires with much less fallible machines. Baseball games officiated by so-called "robot umpires" are close to reality. Starting this year, batters during spring training games will have the option to challenge a traditional umpire's pitch calls and have them immediately reviewed by a machine. A human will still stand behind the plate and call balls and strikes, but the new "robot umpire," powered by a computer vision system called "Hawk-Eye," will be tracking every pitch. Players from both teams will each have two "challenges" per game, which they can use to compare the human call with the machine's assessment. This spring is a crucial trial period, during which player and fan reactions will determine whether the new technology becomes the norm. Although this hybrid umpire system will not be used in regular season games this year, many people are feeling that robot umpires are going to be the officials of the future. This technology "only cares about one thing," reports The New York Times: "Was that pitch in the strike zone or not?" These new robot umps are not influenced by the ways that humans call balls and strikes. Currently, human umpires will adapt to the reality of a game, being more lenient in high-pressure situations like close games (potentially leading to a wider strike zone), or tighten up in blowouts where the umpire might call a more strict zone. But the word "adapt" is not in the vocabulary of a robot. "No matter the situation," says Morgan Ensberg, the manager of the Durham Bulls, "the zone is the same. With runners on base. Ninth inning. First inning. Third inning. Key situation. Non-key situation. It is exactly what it is." Popular Science notes that the invisible "strike zone" has precise dimensions, but they vary from batter to batter -- in general, the strike zone is the width of the home plate and height of the area between a batter’s shoulders and the bottom of their knees. Human umpires attempt to enforce these strike zone guidelines, but research has shown that their strike zones end up looking less like a rectangle and more like an oval. It is close to impossible for a human umpire to make perfect judgments on 100-mile-per-hour fastballs and quickly plummeting curveballs. The Hawk-Eye robot umpire has a more accurate view of the strike zone because it employs a special camera to track a baseball's path from multiple angles. These images are fed into a computer vision algorithm that determines the ball's final location. While the robot's assessments are not mathematically perfect, their judgments are more accurate over time than the human eye. Hawk-Eye systems are already being used at most professional tennis tournaments, and are also being employed by the National Football League for certain instant replay reviews. The MLB began using Hawk-Eye for video replay of certain calls in 2014, but not for calling balls and strikes. The new review system is formally called the Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS). For now, the ABS is going to offer a middle ground, using both humans and robots. Hawk-Eye will work behind the scenes to track every pitch, but teams will have the option to call on it twice per game as a challenge to the home plate umpire. ABS challenges can be requested only by the hitter, the pitcher or the catcher. Once a challenge is made, a graphic showing Hawk-Eye's call will be shown on the main video board for everyone to see. If the human umpire's call was correct, the team loses one of its challenges. If the human was incorrect, the team retains its two challenges. So, in theory, a team could challenge balls and strikes more than twice per game. How do teams and players feel about robot umpires? According to The New York Times, most seem to like it. Dodgers pitcher Tyler Glasnow saw it when he was rehabbing in the minor leagues and said, "Oh, it was so much fun -- because (when you challenge and you're right), you feel vindicated." His teammate Freddy Freeman supports the ABS, but worries that some guys would "challenge every (pitch), that every strike call would be challenged and we're going to run out in the first inning." It is best for players to be smart, cool and thoughtful. Most of all: Don't get too emotional! More on this story can be found at these links: <div style="mso-element: para-border-div; border: none; border-bottom: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in 0in 8.0pt 0in; background: white;"> <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPJjqs9eTHTvMgxKUxOrSDPr2RuWoW5-2FaOf4Rt4xvjJdCVrROYdo3ojdnADfM1Wdaz0Hqh11caxAFGsxto8NqDhaQBLm28ViLu1RsbBNrqxtQMkWWUI7lKW-2Bp3Azq9uAPUQ-3D-3D4PDJ\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmV6mxYHecYDecIKqpBWNFsX151nYTqiPujykeL-2B-2FFc-2BOMSeAbCa-2FUzJiW6dc8sv0wXmawA2jZdHXz0Jncy20Aihj6PSbDh84lLrI4SJm6I1tv2WKN-2FAN958ESr9L1cAVknI8Se15UlmkvgfSiXUYqF3ihTI-2BJziW5ikK6W5IiACoPObtyzVtU0BLpwKoEcrzq-2FkDvFECRc1u3mRIm2Lg0G8yPWNN0ZOFHdn2-2F7JjG94GPSwKlcDLH13GZDtPKah-2B2xPm1YElNMk-2FbEnTOPkxW7M-3D">Robot Umps Are Here: What MLB Players Need to Know to Navigate ABS This Spring. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPJjqs9eTHTvMgxKUxOrSDPr2RuWoW5-2FaOf4Rt4xvjJdCVrROYdo3ojdnADfM1Wdaz0Hqh11caxAFGsxto8NqDhaQBLm28ViLu1RsbBNrqxtQMkWWUI7lKW-2Bp3Azq9uAPUQ-3D-3DVAzD\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmV6mxYHecYDecIKqpBWNFsX151nYTqiPujykeL-2B-2FFc-2BOMSeAbCa-2FUzJiW6dc8sv0waYJy6HldLeR1zrfoSWwR2EC-2BWXK99xd3d23kT7Ndkkqp5EkNBPcEvIAI1-2BPhuqMgWJwx2eu1gJTWPKHupJCZ-2FkM3WyAAXheMRVlnAMlmvjoSO37fvyUXNFpFDKNDRHmvGFi0xxupiNDk-2B50P9dLxbcnQIG1Hy6M4aRp0lLNLxIEG-2FOEd0Xua5Z5TZB10zAgZitErguj4KlYmHLeKRF3arg-3D">The New York Times</a> <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPBrLDSUz-2Bfm-2FYA-2Flxjj58a495mLepp-2B-2F4T-2FQf-2FGj7S1WCm6ja9yvcPnfcNZ-2FRrsYjw-3D-3Df1SN\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmV6mxYHecYDecIKqpBWNFsX151nYTqiPujykeL-2B-2FFc-2BOMSeAbCa-2FUzJiW6dc8sv0wX71Ruc0oDS-2FSXfhrNZ4ZZDUvDUHtJz1D0yVk7di3Uc1OxW3oscinNHFgPqpCLEGiq0w15TR0c5DeZwkM4lnZnn575JwUtF2c59Nfeig-2BzMmHmUJnsLwKpchlZVwkFBauQxA4nqgGNxZSouR4Nwpu1BdQStsSaU7GPxGAHPhGzwLLjLHX-2FGJJudTU0pzeclAXZFi6kZBFi7em0WlFf3Sk-2Bw-3D">This Could Be Baseball's Last Season Without 'Robot Umpires.' </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPBrLDSUz-2Bfm-2FYA-2Flxjj58a495mLepp-2B-2F4T-2FQf-2FGj7S1WCm6ja9yvcPnfcNZ-2FRrsYjw-3D-3DeuBW\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmV6mxYHecYDecIKqpBWNFsX151nYTqiPujykeL-2B-2FFc-2BOMSeAbCa-2FUzJiW6dc8sv0wb5ibhmfVHLseEollRAvPsjmOBeBJp3mJJRuG1Rj2tsM5SFExoch6HOPK5tixTLDMDv9h1pPDO3-2F9FisfDo2xs9XeYQXOHi4SHUCdtU4CCqDXCiiBe5rEG-2FhZYhC8kmSKsXsaeKr4x5n4fEKMlFR5zXqTYqaSqwI84XDW8KyLiB3mWH3tIATShk-2BBTMPlMuvxn1Pjh2nwRdGshJkxkRcGJ8-3D">Popular Science</a> </div> Applying the News Story <div style="mso-element: para-border-div; border: none; border-bottom: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in 0in 8.0pt 0in; background: white;"> TWW Team Member Timothy Merrill wonders, "Are we good at spotting the errors of our own ways? Who decides what is right or wrong? What is the nature of sin? Will these robots end the arguments? We have the Bible and we still seem to have trouble telling right from wrong." Use this lesson as an opportunity to discuss these and other questions. </div> The Big Questions 1. When have you spotted the error of your ways, and what did you do about it? When, if ever, have you failed to make the right call and caused harm to yourself or others? 2. In your life, who decides what is right and wrong -- yourself, your family, your friends, the church, society? What resources help you to make correct judgments? 3. The strike zone for robot umpires only changes due to the physical size of the batter, yet other considerations also influence human umpires. When, if ever, has your view of a particular sin been changed by an evolving life situation? 4. When have you challenged a judgment that was made of you, or made of another person? What was the outcome? 5. The Bible and Christian theology may be reliable guides to ethical behavior, but still we sin. How might technology such as robots help us to stay on the right path? Would there be value to removing emotion from judgment? Discuss. Confronting the News With Scripture and Hope Here are some Bible verses to guide your discussion: Deuteronomy 1:17 You must not be partial in judging: hear out the small and the great alike; you shall not be intimidated by anyone, for the judgment is God's. Any case that is too hard for you, bring to me, and I will hear it. (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzx8vT-2B4JcJ5j8RqGNYnps4kukMBQeT04RmGmyV0wTIdjo2nx-2FYTnsoUW3zaIMEcQ6W1-qT\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmV6mxYHecYDecIKqpBWNFsX151nYTqiPujykeL-2B-2FFc-2BOMSeAbCa-2FUzJiW6dc8sv0wWu0ZaamVPDLkvGrTK-2BD4dffJgueCFkW1BU0iyYxtGFAf5s8P9GUh0FPDoGYJxJdFWZaCH14-2FMIAkkKzFGBKVmKCu8zUSQDMm0yTUgN2diXfNxOgAgdolXIOcfMDl1znI3TUIi32J4SfvLH7RyeUOdd54-2FN-2BUJmTPOvsuTFxQYawTRRkqImB44mpLC2lwMKG3Y3CTEs6XKqAjKtvW3whcf8-3D">Deuteronomy 1:9-18</a>.) Deuteronomy is a Greek word meaning "second law," and it contains the laws which the Israelites receive as they prepare to cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land. In the first chapter, Moses realizes that he cannot bear the burden of leadership alone, so he appoints leaders and judges to implement justice with wisdom and impartiality. In particular, he charges the judges to give the members of the community "a fair hearing and judge rightly between one person and another, whether kin or resident alien" (v. 16). Moses wants everyone to be treated fairly and to be given legal protection and rights, both the members of the people of Israel and the foreigners who live among them. "You must not be partial in judging," he tells them, "for the judgment is God's." But he offers to help by saying that if any case is too hard for them, "bring [it] to me, and I will hear it." <blockquote> Questions: Why is impartiality such an important quality in judging? What happens when people are not given a fair hearing? How can members of your church community, like the leaders and judges appointed by Moses, be involved in resolving difficulties in the congregation in an impartial way? </blockquote> Psalm 98:8-9 Let the floods clap their hands; let the hills sing together for joy at the presence of the LORD, for he is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness and the peoples with equity. (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxBawxGRgKEz9tjqzf5zgEQRdOgrUlctApSMSCq-2FjGFNp-2Bh9GzkLPvI4B3sfCN-2BVp7vnFc\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmV6mxYHecYDecIKqpBWNFsX151nYTqiPujykeL-2B-2FFc-2BOMSeAbCa-2FUzJiW6dc8sv0wdjbfAoa5fmpneGaqI-2BLtI-2FrRbHGPxYKaO7Q6ymYW1w6BaoRkBYNLW2MmGdlOBJ1i6eL6ZPgO-2BnStRPGmWqvwQRoXErmVI2LzP8CfJeEzlfmjmplaMMSBaPoday4enKp3TZsmdwx1gmmYCBnrXrbxaSX6-2FbU7P92KRPy4IRTjixUIrid-2FREkuN-2BulKCojGkA8W3Dz5RtE8ZPxEcBZZj5w7c-3D">Psalm 98:1-9</a>.) Psalm 98 is a hymn of praise to God, the judge of the world. It begins with a call to praise the God who "has done marvelous things" (v. 1) and "has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness" (v. 3). It then invites people to "make a joyful noise before the King, the LORD" (v. 6). Throughout the first six verses, it is clear that God is a powerful and victorious divine ruler. The focus changes in the last three verses with a call for the natural world to praise the Creator. The hymn includes the invitation, "Let the sea roar" (v. 7), "the floods clap their hands, "and "the hills sing together." This praise is based on the expectation that God "will judge the world with righteousness and the peoples with equity." God will move to bring all creation into right relationship with the Creator, judging everything fairly. When God judges "with equity," it means he will consider all sides of a situation and make a decision based on what is truly just, not based on personal biases or power dynamics. <blockquote> Questions: What does it mean to you that God is the judge of the world, and that all of his judgments will be made with righteousness and equity? How does this aspect of God's nature influence your judgments of yourself and others? In what sense is God like a robot umpire, one for whom "the zone is the same. Ninth inning. First inning. Third inning. Key situation. Non-key situation. It is exactly what it is"? Discuss. </blockquote> John 8:10-11 Jesus straightened up and said to her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" She said, "No one, sir." And Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again." (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxh31-2FzSZVIagnBHQLNyA5jV-2FDM7Ft8n51OcN4NiqHkmSEon2FT99KyPHkn-2F22g0NUat64\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmV6mxYHecYDecIKqpBWNFsX151nYTqiPujykeL-2B-2FFc-2BOMSeAbCa-2FUzJiW6dc8sv0wXLI1avi7un7HYIsZW3oFTC5F1qzxBPoM-2Bvu18ozTabeobOgQQcMvkdq7fg2Ny-2F9-2FfIo7EY04K6pHt7Mw8d-2ByueSw-2BWuxb5AlLjQwd7YBCHUABllMyd7Qzq3-2FSpM4JeY-2FrM7yHei7Bbc9P-2FV4f-2FOp99utexCk35MebGVFRHTC6PgdI4Vwm7wm7V3q0mqoXKU8HLpblUTptqB02-2FIRgbuOl0-3D">John 8:2-11</a>.) The story of the woman caught in adultery is found only in John, although in some ancient versions of the Bible it appears after Luke 21:38. The story begins with Jesus teaching people in the temple, and in the middle of his lesson a group of scribes and Pharisees brings a woman to him. She has been caught in adultery, and the scribes and Pharisees try to test and trap Jesus by saying that "in the law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" (v. 5). Instead of responding immediately, Jesus bends down and writes with his finger on the ground. They keep pestering him with questions, and he says to them, "Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her" (v. 7). Then he returns to writing on the ground. The scribes and Pharisees ponder his words and then walk away, one by one. Jesus is left alone with the woman, with no one to condemn her. Jesus says, "Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again." The story is a powerful illustration of Jesus' compassion and forgiveness, one in which he reveals the hypocrisy of the men who were judging the woman (perhaps he was writing their sexual sins on the ground). Jesus knows that everyone is flawed and deserving of grace, not condemnation. <blockquote> Questions: What do you find significant about the response of Jesus to the scribes and Pharisees, who were "calling strikes" according to the law of Moses? When are compassion and forgiveness a better response than condemnation? How does forgiveness enable you to return to God's path? </blockquote> Jude 14-15 It was also about these that Enoch, in the seventh generation from Adam, prophesied, saying, "See, the Lord is coming with ten thousands of his holy ones, to execute judgment on all and to convict all the ungodly of all the deeds of ungodliness that they have committed in such an ungodly way and of all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against him." (No context needed.) The author of this short letter was Jude, "a servant of Jesus Christ," and he was writing to people "who are beloved in God the Father and kept safe for Jesus Christ" (v. 1). He warned his fellow Christians about false teachers who made the case that God’s grace could be used as an excuse to practice immoral living, which he saw as a denial of the lordship of Christ. Jude grounded his thoughts in scripture, which for him was the whole Hebrew Bible. Drawing on scripture and Christian tradition, he tells stories of Sodom and Gomorrah, the archangel Michael, Cain, Balaam, and finally Enoch, who prophesied about the coming of the Lord "to execute judgment on all." Jude clearly found inspiration and ethical guidance in the whole of Holy Scripture. <blockquote> Questions: How do the Bible and Christian tradition shape your understanding of an ethical life? When have you ever challenged the rulings of other people on moral matters? Where do you find ethical guidance in the Christian community, and how do you apply it? </blockquote> For Further Discussion 1. In related news, TWW Team Member Timothy Merrill reports that the New York Yankees have parted with tradition and said, <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPJjqs9eTHTvMgxKUxOrSDPqjLtRPR8RcVWv8PLqcx-2Bs1Amyhf94OVot-2FNnLbinlqQ3QaaWW3zvm49sxC0ueiBlwu1-2B1-2BnS-2BJtMEcuqwW8d9FgIZ8aaBJIpBjo6WRRgbpsg-3D-3DqXXP\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmV6mxYHecYDecIKqpBWNFsX151nYTqiPujykeL-2B-2FFc-2BOMSeAbCa-2FUzJiW6dc8sv0wbI27xOqlGueV5e5NWz-2B-2FPuq9SG6YKaYYsDLU3c1fNsbFD8YTLVe5RQIvAeTR9qjpINopONOnhLwRLcUxP9CbTW3g0-2FMWMvWjmLMYt90NHtxu7hyvViFkt6sjupRQpMf9jQvVbKF1gZxN990fLBEXtvHvNyFfoPG4Mde6xR-2BGonbkSfempqER3QziwAgGwTt09lEUmzzgaHR8l8NHtxk6Ok-3D">"Beards Are Now Allowed."</a> The team is ending its long-standing policy on facial hair and will allow "well-groomed beards." How do you decide when to change a tradition? What factors do you consider before making a change? 2. In his book After Virtue: A Study in Moral Theology, philosopher Alasdair MacIntyre wrote that a human being is "a teller of stories that aspire to truth." The Bible is just such a set of stories, and its narratives reveal to us what is true about our faith, our community and ourselves. In the story of the judgment of the nations in <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxEE9arX6m0yHZZAbtNhYaDcVRcnTBIowhZZwDlMqPEdNSp8fMb1gt-2B-2BBSeaqSjRVDJHvk\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmV6mxYHecYDecIKqpBWNFsX151nYTqiPujykeL-2B-2FFc-2BOMSeAbCa-2FUzJiW6dc8sv0wZ5ozSKIJWNcnnF7VI71zlIXnLJrrRM513c3iVl3Jf0lXwwP02BbF3iLOWu-2F9H-2BIWbzLEjJR5JEKEzFtm05NNogh8-2Fi1ZwZkJcmHaxi7klLSgwQ5wnreOuRcPubukgdORnZ0Sjzglnann-2FxFeLxVld0aX1yb0QaopkH3KcIzR83lNekv3yCDrX3WmPlhaH8AvYmbK3uRwt9DkJIZwKs7q1I-3D">Matthew 25:31-46</a>, Christ speaks about what will happen when he "comes in his glory and all the angels with him" (v. 31). He will "separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats" (v. 32). The sheep will be placed on his right hand and the goats on the left. To the sheep, he will say "Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world" (v. 34). This kingdom is offered to the sheep because of their compassion and service to those in need. Jesus says, "for I was hungry and you gave me food" (v. 35). How are you preparing for this day of judgment? What other biblical stories shape your understanding of a good and truth-filled life? 3. The internet is full of devotional guides and Bible studies that can be used by individuals and church communities. Biblical and theological questions can even be entered into search engines, with answers being provided by AI (Artificial Intelligence). When such technology shapes your faith, how do you decide what to believe and act on? 4. MLB is looking for the right balance between human umpires and robot umpires. How do you strike a balance between humanity and technology in your daily life? What do you do when you begin to feel that you are suffering from imbalance? What helps you to get on the right path? Responding to the News Look to God and Jesus for guidance in making righteous judgments. Instead of always "calling strikes," remember to show forgiveness and compassion to yourself and others. Prayer Mighty God, we thank you for judging all peoples with equity and righteousness. Help us to be fair and impartial in our judgments, while showing the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. 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