I heard a great quote referenced in a discussion on culture issues among our Exposure participants. I thought I’d share it here. It’s from an article by Jim Thomas, called “What’s culture got to do with it?“
“No single culture truly reflects the Kingdom of God. Rather, every human culture is flawed by hearts that run from God. But not all is lost. Every culture also provides some insights into God’s kingdom. From the Christians in China, for example, we in the west can learn about living sacrificially, for many of them are willing to suffer prison and abuse in order that the word of God’s kingdom might spread. From a Christian in Kenya, we can learn God’s extravagant generosity. From the family in Afghanistan, we can learn of hospitality. If we are to more fully understand and experience God’s kingdom, we need people of other cultures to challenge our cultural assumptions and identify our blind spots. We also need to learn from their insights into God’s kingdom.” (Jim Thomas)
Do we just learn from Christians, or others as well? Isn’t God at work in all of humanity, loving all of us, and teaching all of us through all of us?
I love the idea that various cultures highlight God’s redemptive work in humanity. Here in Toronto I see our rich, multiethnic landscape as a part of God’s dream for all of us.
I’m often challenged by people I meet with different mentalities. Somehow I have come to equate my way with the “right” way and it’s sometimes hard to face myself objectively and be willing to toss something away and change the way i think.