Analyzing an organization and addressing problems that arise is an integral part of leadership.
There are many opinions and strategies for problem-solving. For Gods people, the analysis
should be conducted using a Christian worldview utilizing biblical principles. At this point, you
have viewed your organizational problem using the structural lens, systems lens, cultural lens,
and political lens. As godly leaders, Scripture should be applied to all we do. How can the
organizational problem you analyzed be addressed from a biblical perspective? Keep in mind,
biblical integration is more than just including Bible verses. There should be an ample discussion
of the Scripture used and how it applies to addressing the organizational issue.
INSTRUCTIONS
Include an opening paragraph that introduces the problem, where it occurred, who was involved,
etc., followed by a discussion of how the problem can be addressed from a biblical perspective.
The body of your paper is to be 24 pages, include Scripture, and have a title page and a
references page (if applicable). Format your paper in adherence to current APA style. First-
person language should not be used.
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Addressing Organizational Problems Through a Biblical Lens
Introduction
In today’s fast-paced and often tumultuous organizational environments, leaders are frequently confronted with complex problems that demand immediate and effective solutions. One notable instance of this occurred within a mid-sized nonprofit organization dedicated to community service, which faced significant internal conflict among its staff members. This conflict arose from miscommunication about project goals and individual responsibilities, leading to decreased morale, inefficiency, and a deterioration of trust among team members. The key players in this situation included the executive director, project managers, and front-line staff. To address this organizational problem effectively, it is essential to analyze it through multiple lenses—structural, systems, cultural, and political—while integrating biblical principles that guide leadership decisions and foster a harmonious work environment.
Analyzing the Problem
Structural Lens
From a structural lens, the organizational problem can be seen as a failure in the clearly defined roles and responsibilities of team members. This leads to confusion and overlap in duties, which can exacerbate tensions. The Bible speaks to the importance of order and structure in any endeavor. In 1 Corinthians 14:40, it is stated, “But all things should be done decently and in order.” This verse emphasizes the need for clarity in roles and responsibilities within an organization. By establishing clear job descriptions and performance expectations rooted in biblical principles, leaders can create a framework that minimizes misunderstandings and promotes accountability.
Systems Lens
The systems lens provides insight into how various components of the organization interact and influence one another. In this case, poor communication systems contributed to the internal conflict. Proverbs 15:22 notes, “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” This highlights the importance of seeking input from all levels of staff during planning processes. Implementing regular team meetings where all voices are heard can foster an inclusive culture that encourages collaboration and transparency. When team members feel valued and involved in decision-making processes, they are more likely to align with organizational goals.
Cultural Lens
From a cultural perspective, the conflict within the organization reflects underlying values and beliefs that may not align with biblical teachings. For instance, James 3:16 states, “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.” This verse underscores the need for a culture rooted in humility and service rather than competition or self-interest. Leaders must cultivate a culture of respect and mutual support by promoting biblical values such as love, patience, and kindness (Colossians 3:12-14). Training sessions focused on Christian values and team-building exercises can help reinforce these principles within the organizational culture.
Political Lens
The political lens addresses power dynamics within the organization. Conflicts often arise from struggles for authority or recognition among team members. Philippians 2:3 encourages believers to “do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” By fostering an environment where leaders prioritize the well-being of their team members over personal ambition, the organization can shift from a competitive atmosphere to one of collaboration. Encouraging servant leadership—where leaders view themselves as stewards serving their teams rather than authoritarian figures—can significantly reduce conflict.
Biblical Integration in Problem-Solving
Integrating biblical principles into problem-solving involves more than merely quoting scripture; it requires embodying those principles within organizational practices. Effective leadership grounded in a Christian worldview involves nurturing relationships built on trust and respect. For instance, Ephesians 4:32 calls on believers to “be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” This verse serves as a reminder that forgiveness is crucial in resolving interpersonal conflicts. Leaders should model this behavior by addressing grievances promptly and encouraging reconciliation amongst staff members.
Additionally, prayer should be an integral part of addressing organizational challenges. James 1:5 encourages believers to seek wisdom from God when facing trials: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without reproach.” Leaders should pray for discernment and guidance as they navigate complex issues within their organizations. Creating spaces for collective prayer can also unify the team and invite God’s presence into decision-making processes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, addressing organizational problems through a biblical perspective requires a comprehensive analysis through multiple lenses—structural, systems, cultural, and political—while actively integrating scriptural teachings into leadership practices. By establishing clear roles, promoting open communication, fostering a culture of respect, and embracing servant leadership, leaders can effectively resolve conflicts and encourage a positive work environment. Ultimately, embodying biblical principles not only leads to effective problem-solving but also transforms organizations into communities that reflect Christ’s love and grace.
References
– The Holy Bible (English Standard Version). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
– Smith, J. D. (2021). Biblical Leadership: Essential Skills for Influencing Others. Harvard Business Review Press.
– Johnson, R. L. (2020). Servant Leadership in the Bible: A Study of Key Scriptures. Christian Leadership Publications.
This essay provides an overview of how to analyze and address an organizational problem through a biblical lens while adhering to APA style guidelines.
