Just Thinking…about Culture

Jan and I are sometimes jealous–jealous of those folks who have spent most or all of their lives in one place and have close lifelong friendships and relationships that have developed over decades.
But about the time we get too deep in feelings of self-pity, someone will voice their wish that they could have had our experiences–friends across the nation and around the world, close friends and deep friendships that allow us to connect with a host of different folks again and again. (Are we ever thankful for email!)

The key word is different. I am not a multi-cultural guru, but I have experienced many different worlds and I have been blessed to be able to see things in multiple ways. I believe I have an expanded understanding of the world as a result. In the U.S., I have ministered in the rural south, urban south, rural north, and urban north. I have preached in lots of places in between. I have been involved in mission efforts in several different countries, and I have returned to Latin America again and again–a dozen countries and counting, and all of them different.

The experience I have logged is messy. It is increasingly difficult to say that life is or must be a certain way with no other options. Cultures can be fracturing experiences. Priorities undercut one another. Items with significance in one place are less significant (or even insignificant) in another place.

A challenge to Christianity? You bet! But also refreshing–because of the reminder that we must drill down to the core of the gospel message if we are to bring the world to Jesus. We must recognize that some of our own preferences and practices are peripheral. What is foundational? What is at the root of faith? Discover it, live it, and share it! The world will be changed!