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When We Talk Politics

When We Talk Politics

In this clip, Greg identifies a source of much of the conflict we experience in our conversations about politics, or other important topics. He does this by introducing the phrase, “your map is not the territory.”  Your brain assembles and interprets the sensations you experience and forms maps of the world based upon those experiences. These “maps” help us to navigate through life, but they are imperfect representations of the realities that they point to. It’s important that we remain humble and curious regarding our maps. When we mistake these maps for the territories they represent, we miss opportunities to learn and grow, and instead descend into conflict.

If you would like to listen the entire sermon, you can do so here.

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