| The first thing we notice in another
culture is people’s behavior. They eat, greet
each other, sleep, walk, read and work in various
ways. These differences in behavior are determined
by the values, ideas and beliefs a society holds
about life. Without knowing the language it is often
impossible to really understand a new culture.
Culture is a total way of life.
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It affects every
aspect of
life and is inseparably linked to other patterns.
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| Culture makes life meaningful |
It answers the basic human questions
all people face. These answers provide logic to
those within the culture which outsiders may not
understand.
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| Some Implications: |
Different is not
bad. Each
culture operates by its own innate logic. Do
not condemn people whose customs are not like
yours as if they deliberately chose a perverted
way of life.
Cultures resist change.
Since culture embraces all aspects of life, be
aware that people already have a set of answers
to their questions and a way of life.
Change in one aspect affects the whole. Ask how any change will affect the total life
of the people.
The Gospel is a change agent. To effectively serve, first seek to understand
a culture within its own context.
Scratch where it itches. Because
no society is perfectly integrated, you may find
chances to witness through the problems
and questions people cannot answer from within
their own culture.
Credibility determines the level of
trust. If
you lack credibility in the eyes of those you
seek to serve, your message will be rejected.
If they sense your sincerity, they may be more
open to the message.
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