EXECUTIVES RESPOND TO CALLS FOR ACCOUNTABILITY
Aaron Sorkin’s The Social Reckoning, released in October, serves as a follow-up to the 2010 movie, The Social Network. While the original film chronicles the rise of Facebook, the sequel follows a whistleblower who alleges that company leaders prioritized user engagement and profits over addressing the harmful effects on the health of users. As congressional investigations and hearings draw national attention to these platforms, social media’s influence on society has become difficult to ignore. During recent Senate testimony, company executives denied responsibility for the reported harms. Many have touted rebranding efforts or changes to factchecking, actions critics view as inadequate.
A NATION RESPONDS AND RECOMMITS TO GOD
With the ark of the covenant recovered (without the Israelites lifting a finger), Samuel summons the tribes to Mizpah. Samuel calls them to commit to the exclusive worship of Yahweh, as the covenant requires. The Israelites show signs of mourning their sins, as they fast and pour out water. This ceremony cements Samuel as their established leader, the one who can bring all twelve tribes together for a single purpose. Just then, the Philistines hear reports that the twelve tribes of Israel have all gathered in one place. The Philistines are eager to prevent revival in Israel, and they attack while the Israelites are in the middle of offering sacrifices. Samuel cries out for deliverance, and God routes the Philistines. Israel has a great victory over them that day.
Questions
- What are various ways that people can respond when confronted with sins or failures?
- How does acknowledging sin or wrongdoing impact each person who was involved?
- How does God’s mercy change the way we deal with sin?