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<\/p>\n\t\t\t\tIn the TV show Big Bang Theory, Sheldon, a brilliant physicist who purports to have a \u201cworking knowledge of the universe\u201d but can\u2019t understand basic social practices, develops a sort of flow chart for making a friend. In this episode Raj, Leonard, and Howard, two physicists and an engineer, return to Sheldon\u2019s and Leonard\u2019s apartment to discover that Sheldon as mapped an algorithm for making friends with his nemesis on their large white board which is typically employed for physics equations. He says he has \u201cisolated the algorithm for making friends\u201d and will no longer make the same mistakes made in the child\u2019s picture book \u201cStew the Cockatoo is New at the Zoo.\u201d<\/p>\n
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The flow chart starts with \u201cask to share a meal\u201d if not interested invite to enjoy a hot beverage (in this one he even has options listed to suggest) if not interested\u00e0 perhaps a recreational activity. At this point in the trial run his nemesis keeps suggesting activities that Sheldon has no interest in. He keeps looping back and his algorithm falters, unable to handle this unexpected turn. Fortunately, Howard is able to jump in and add a loop counter and escape option into the whiteboard chart.<\/p>\n
The Matthew 18 passage provides a similar step-by-step instruction but for the purpose of restoring a relationship rather than making a new one. Before we take a closer look at these verses starting at verse 15 however, I want to note some the context of the first part of this chapter.<\/p>\n
The context is that of \u201cnot losing.\u201d Chapter 18 begins with the question of who is the greatest. Jesus brings a child in to their midst. You must be like this child to enter the kingdom Further more if you welcome this child then you welcome me.<\/p>\n
Then from verses 6-14 we have 3 variations of not losing.<\/p>\n
So by the time we get to verse 18 we have heard Jesus challenge the disciples\u2019 questions about greatness and we see a recurring theme on not losing.<\/p>\n
Into this context we hear \u201cGo\u201d. <\/b>If your brother or sister wrongs you go to them.\u00a0 This seems to be a general formula or procedure for addressing wrong doing. This feels like a sort of process flow chart. Remember back to Sheldon and his algorithm for making a friend.<\/p>\n
These few verses seem a bit like this but for conflict in the congregation. Go to the person. If that works, great! Process finished. If it doesn\u2019t work then take someone else. If that works, great! If it doesn\u2019t work tell it to the church. If this works, great! If it doesn\u2019t work treat them as if they were a Gentile or tax collector.<\/p>\n
The Gentile and tax collectors are those who are outside the community but who we seek to bring into reconciliation with God. And then also reconciliation with one another.<\/p>\n
After we get this fairly detailed process of addressing wrong doing we read to more general, not particularly clear, but seemingly related bits.<\/p>\n
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