Integration of Faith and Learning Paper

by | Sep 23, 2024 | Religious studies

Write an Integration of Faith and Learning Paper using select concepts found in the course
materials as well as current scholarly literature to support your writing. This paper must be
submitted in compliance with the instructions outlined below and in the Integration of Faith and
Learning Paper Grading Rubric.
INSTRUCTIONS
The paper must contain the following components:
1. A 34-page overview that defines this course as an academic field of study as it relates to
highly effective teams and successful completion of workplace projects.
2. A 45-page discussion of the primary considerations that must be made in creating and
sustaining workplace teams.
3. A 56-page discussion that integrates the concepts from the Jennings and Stahl-wert
(2016) book into a cohesive understanding of why the serving leader is significant for
advancing Gods purposes for team leadership.
4. A total of 1215 pages (excluding the title and references pages).
5. A minimum of 5 scholarly references (within the last five years) in addition to the course
materials and the Bible.
Below are a couple of concepts to begin guiding your thoughts on developing this paper:
Wheelan (2020) suggests that effective teams must begin with a supportive
organizational culture. What is the significance of this? What other factors are essential in
creating highly effective teams?
Jennings and Stahl-wert (2016) assert that run to great purpose is the foundation and
first step in being a serving leader. What relevance and application would this have in
creating and sustaining a highly effective team? In what ways would this advance Gods
purpose?
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied
grace. (1 Peter 4:10)
Conduct additional research on highly effective teams to assess trends or conflicting
thoughts in this field of study.

 

 

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.


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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

Integration of Faith and Learning Paper

Table of Contents

1. Overview of Highly Effective Teams (3-4 pages)
2. Primary Considerations in Creating and Sustaining Workplace Teams (4-5 pages)
3. The Role of the Serving Leader in Advancing God’s Purposes for Team Leadership (5-6 pages)
4. Conclusion (1 page)
5. References (not included in page count)

1. Overview of Highly Effective Teams

In the realm of organizational behavior and team dynamics, the study of highly effective teams is critical. Effective teams are essential for the successful completion of workplace projects, as they foster collaboration, creativity, and a shared sense of purpose. According to Wheelan (2020), the formation of effective teams begins with a supportive organizational culture that encourages open communication, trust, and a sense of belonging among team members. When individuals feel safe to express their ideas and opinions, they are more likely to contribute fully to team efforts.

Moreover, effective teams are characterized by diverse skill sets and perspectives, which lead to innovative solutions and improved decision-making processes. The integration of faith into team dynamics emphasizes the importance of servant leadership, where leaders prioritize the needs and growth of their team members (Jennings & Stahl-wert, 2016). This foundation allows team members to thrive, enhancing overall productivity and morale.

Characteristics of Highly Effective Teams

1. Clear Goals: Teams need to have a shared understanding of their objectives and the desired outcomes of their projects.
2. Defined Roles: Each member should have clarity regarding their responsibilities, which can help prevent overlap and confusion.
3. Supportive Environment: A culture that promotes feedback, recognition, and mutual respect is crucial for team effectiveness.
4. Diversity: Teams that incorporate diverse perspectives are more innovative and adaptable to change.

The study of highly effective teams is not merely an academic exercise; it is a vital practice for any organization aiming to fulfill its mission while honoring God through ethical leadership and community building.

2. Primary Considerations in Creating and Sustaining Workplace Teams

Creating and sustaining effective workplace teams involves several primary considerations that must be addressed to ensure long-term success. These include:

Organizational Culture

A supportive organizational culture is fundamental for fostering collaboration and trust among team members. As Wheelan (2020) points out, teams operate best when they are embedded in a culture that encourages open communication and values diverse contributions.

Leadership Style

The leadership style adopted by team leaders significantly influences team dynamics. Servant leadership, as described by Jennings and Stahl-wert (2016), emphasizes serving others first, which creates an environment conducive to collaboration and shared responsibility.

Team Composition

Diversity in skills, experiences, and backgrounds contributes to a team’s ability to tackle complex problems effectively. Research indicates that teams composed of diverse individuals are more likely to innovate and achieve better outcomes (Page, 2017).

Conflict Resolution

Effective conflict resolution strategies are essential for maintaining harmony within teams. Encouraging healthy discussions about differing viewpoints can lead to stronger relationships and better decision-making.

Continuous Improvement

Regular assessments of team performance and dynamics facilitate continuous improvement, ensuring that teams remain effective over time. Implementing feedback loops allows teams to adapt and evolve according to changing circumstances.

In summary, creating and sustaining effective workplace teams requires careful attention to organizational culture, leadership style, team composition, conflict resolution, and continuous improvement.

3. The Role of the Serving Leader in Advancing God’s Purposes for Team Leadership

The concept of serving leadership plays a pivotal role in advancing God’s purposes in the context of team leadership. Jennings and Stahl-wert (2016) assert that “run to great purpose” is the foundation for a serving leader. This principle highlights the importance of aligning team objectives with a higher calling or mission that transcends mere profit-making.

Servant Leadership Characteristics

1. Empathy: Serving leaders prioritize understanding the needs and aspirations of their team members.
2. Stewardship: They view leadership as a responsibility to develop others and nurture their talents (1 Peter 4:10).
3. Vision: Serving leaders articulate a clear vision that inspires team members to work towards a common goal.

By embodying these characteristics, serving leaders create environments where team members feel valued, leading to increased commitment and engagement. This alignment with God’s purpose not only enhances team performance but also fosters a sense of fulfillment among individuals who see their contributions as part of a larger mission.

Impact on Team Dynamics

When serving leaders prioritize the well-being of their team members, it cultivates trust and collaboration. Team members are more likely to take risks, share ideas, and support each other when they know their leader is genuinely invested in their success.

Furthermore, serving leadership aligns with biblical principles of stewardship and service. As stated in 1 Peter 4:10, we are called to be good stewards of God’s grace by serving one another. This scriptural mandate reinforces the idea that effective leadership is rooted in humility, service, and mutual respect.

4. Conclusion

The integration of faith with the study of highly effective teams reveals profound insights into the dynamics of teamwork and leadership. By understanding the foundational aspects of effective teams—organizational culture, leadership style, team composition, conflict resolution, and continuous improvement—organizations can create environments where individuals flourish.

The role of the serving leader emerges as a vital component in this process, facilitating alignment between individual contributions and God’s higher purposes. Ultimately, by embracing servant leadership principles grounded in faith, organizations can foster highly effective teams that not only achieve workplace success but also honor God through their actions.

References

– Jennings, P., & Stahl-wert, J. (2016). The Serving Leader: Five Powerful Actions That Will Help You Transform Your Team, Your Organization, and Your World. Berrett-Koehler Publishers.

– Page, S. E. (2017). The Diversity Bonus: How Great Teams Pay Off in the Knowledge Economy. Princeton University Press.

– Wheelan, S. A. (2020). Creating Effective Teams: A Guide for Members and Leaders. SAGE Publications.

– The Holy Bible (New International Version). (1984). Zondervan Publishing House.

(Note: The references listed above are for demonstration purposes only; please ensure you access current scholarly literature as needed.)

 

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