MISUNDERSTANDINGS BETWEEN CULTURE LANGUAGE

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J

J-Kay

Guest
#1
#1
I just read a thread about how interaction can be
confusing between various Countries.

I realize each Culture has their own way of dress
and speech. But how does the Christian take a stand
for Christ and not offend someone who is Christian
from another Country who sees it differently due to
their customs ?
 
K

kenisyes

Guest
#2
#2
You learn their customs, and agree to communicate by them. This is identical with how you avoid offending Christians in different churches, you learn their theologies and the reasons behind them.
 
RedTent

RedTent

Banned
#3
Oct 31, 2011
8,200
182
0
#3
kenisyes said:
You learn their customs, and agree to communicate by them. This is identical with how you avoid offending Christians in different churches, you learn their theologies and the reasons behind them.
Click to expand...
Much of my bible study is in learning the customs of the people God is using to illustrate His principles. I study Abraham's time, or what it was like to live in Ephesia and it helps me understand scripture. But I don't see how understanding how different cultures of our time would help us understand God. I understand, for instance, that in the far east they think in terms of the tribe, in America we think in terms of the individual so it is hard for us to relate. But I don't understand how this could help us know our Lord better.
 
M

mystic7

Senior Member
#4
Jul 27, 2013
289
64
28
#4
I'm speaking from my countries point of view a non-english speaking nation
Be passionate in your sharing of Gods Word,Keep it scriptural,share testimonies
Be friendly,willing to listen to others.In my country sometimes the atitude is aloof,the "visitor" knows everything,everything they say is right.
How you present the Word is very important,Holiness is very important
Some bad examples through the years:
Preaching in shorts
Shouting at the congregation (difference between shouting and speaking loud)
Referring to God as the man upstairs
Jumping on the front kews
"Standing on the Word of God" by putting the Bible on the ground & standing on it
Preachers bear hugging the women folk and men (very offensive)

If you are going to a non english country it best to learn of their culture and dress code is very important
 
J

J-Kay

Guest
#5
#5
kenisyes said:
You learn their customs, and agree to communicate by them. This is identical with how you avoid offending Christians in different churches, you learn their theologies and the reasons behind them.
Click to expand...
Ken ... I appreciate your line of thought. But, when we are on here just for a few hours
or even couple times of week, we don't have time to study other Countries.
Let me put it this way, ( not being nasty ) ....Are we not based in America ? Christian Chat ?
Then should those who come here let us know where they are from and then we know we
are talking to a Christian who sees things differently. Even THOUGH Gods Word never changes.
 
J

J-Kay

Guest
#6
#6
mystic7 said:
I'm speaking from my countries point of view a non-english speaking nation
Be passionate in your sharing of Gods Word,Keep it scriptural,share testimonies
Be friendly,willing to listen to others.In my country sometimes the atitude is aloof,the "visitor" knows everything,everything they say is right.
How you present the Word is very important,Holiness is very important
Some bad examples through the years:
Preaching in shorts
Shouting at the congregation (difference between shouting and speaking loud)
Referring to God as the man upstairs
Jumping on the front kews
"Standing on the Word of God" by putting the Bible on the ground & standing on it
Preachers bear hugging the women folk and men (very offensive)

If you are going to a non english country it best to learn of their culture and dress code is very important
Click to expand...

So, are you suggesting we change the way we use a phrase ?
I don't know where you are from. I think some of your thoughts
you posted are right on. I mean, very well worded. Thanks....
 
RedTent

RedTent

Banned
#7
Oct 31, 2011
8,200
182
0
#7
mystic7 said:
I'm speaking from my countries point of view a non-english speaking nation
Be passionate in your sharing of Gods Word,Keep it scriptural,share testimonies
Be friendly,willing to listen to others.In my country sometimes the atitude is aloof,the "visitor" knows everything,everything they say is right.
How you present the Word is very important,Holiness is very important
Some bad examples through the years:
Preaching in shorts
Shouting at the congregation (difference between shouting and speaking loud)
Referring to God as the man upstairs
Jumping on the front kews
"Standing on the Word of God" by putting the Bible on the ground & standing on it
Preachers bear hugging the women folk and men (very offensive)

If you are going to a non english country it best to learn of their culture and dress code is very important
Click to expand...
Oh! I understand. Thank you!
 
J

J-Kay

Guest
#8
#8
If you are going to a non english country it best to learn of their culture and dress code is very important
The above from mystic.... I haven't learned to do partial enclosure.....

J-Kay writes.
You remind me of about 25 years ago, a family came to visit Church Member from another Country.
This family in my Church lived in a Lake Home. The Visitors brought their swim suits. When it came time
to get ready to dress for their swim, the lady comes out in a 'string bikini.' The friend from Church asked
her, "are you wearing that?" The lady responded with, 'yes, is there something wrong ?' Believe me
string bikinis were not even in fashion here. Bikinis yes. String ? No.... So, your response was fitting
to this topic. Thank you.
 
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K

kenisyes

Guest
#9
#9
J-Kay said:
Ken ... I appreciate your line of thought. But, when we are on here just for a few hours
or even couple times of week, we don't have time to study other Countries.
Let me put it this way, ( not being nasty ) ....Are we not based in America ? Christian Chat ?
Then should those who come here let us know where they are from and then we know we
are talking to a Christian who sees things differently. Even THOUGH Gods Word never changes.
Click to expand...
Christian chat is based in the Philippines, at least RoboOp is, look at his bio. I am online with people from England, Spain, South Africa, Malaysia, and they are on Skype with people from US, Canada, Australia. And what I see is that everyone is aware of it, and it does not seem to matter. I think we have a whole new set of customs evolving. You know what's a nice idea to see customs - go to youtube and watch the tv commercials from the other countries.
 
J

J-Kay

Guest
#10
#10
kenisyes said:
Christian chat is based in the Philippines, at least RoboOp is, look at his bio. I am online with people from England, Spain, South Africa, Malaysia, and they are on Skype with people from US, Canada, Australia. And what I see is that everyone is aware of it, and it does not seem to matter. I think we have a whole new set of customs evolving. You know what's a nice idea to see customs - go to youtube and watch the tv commercials from the other countries.
Click to expand...

Well, do I have egg on my face. Funny looking ...Senior with egg on her face ...sigh::::::
 
J

J-Kay

Guest
#11
#11
No wonder I can't get them to respond to me regarding how to
send a check for donation. I don't use my credit card online.....
So since they are based everywhere.....well at least now I understand.
God bless those who volunteer... and donate to keep it going.
 
David_1

David_1

Banned
#12
Mar 21, 2011
1,515
16
0
#12
J-Kay said:
I just read a thread about how interaction can be
confusing between various Countries.

I realize each Culture has their own way of dress
and speech. But how does the Christian take a stand
for Christ and not offend someone who is Christian
from another Country who sees it differently due to
their customs ?
Click to expand...

I think everyone one of us need to have an international awareness, and realise a lot of our values and desires are not in fact Christian based, but culturally based. And that not every country will share these ideals.

In many ways it's easy for Australians, because we are a small country and we have a somewhat international focus.

It's harder for US Americans. You guys.... yeah well, you know you guys have a hard time understanding that the world is not a clone of the US.

And that's okay.

As Christians our mind should be on the Kingdom of Jesus, not our earthly Republics and Kingdoms.
 
K

kenisyes

Guest
#13
#13
David_1 said:
I think everyone one of us need to have an international awareness, and realise a lot of our values and desires are not in fact Christian based, but culturally based. And that not every country will share these ideals.

In many ways it's easy for Australians, because we are a small country and we have a somewhat international focus.

It's harder for US Americans. You guys.... yeah well, you know you guys have a hard time understanding that the world is not a clone of the US.

And that's okay.

As Christians our mind should be on the Kingdom of Jesus, not our earthly Republics and Kingdoms.
Click to expand...
We haven't even heard the push-bike song, let alone that neat takeoff from Five-Seeds orchards, proving that you CAN do professional recording over Skype. More seriously, we cannot conceive of a world relations policy without constant war. Australia has a lot to offer the world. I hope all US CC'ers make some real friends from there.
 
K

kenisyes

Guest
#14
#14
J-Kay said:
Well, do I have egg on my face. Funny looking ...Senior with egg on her face ...sigh::::::
Click to expand...
You need to pray for a longer tongue, yum. Would I derail the thread if I asked if such a longer tongue were an "unknown" one?
 
G

graceword

Guest
#15
#15
I am a citizen of an African country. I am usually in the city most times. My home is in a village. My mom told me this: No matter how ok you're with something, if it will make someone else uncomfortable especially in church then change it as long as it's not in contradiction with God's word.

It's not hypocrisy. It's being mindful of others. So if your Christianese or slang or dressing is hindering the spread of the Gospel, change it.

1 Corinthians 10-23 is a good guide.
 
K

kenisyes

Guest
#16
#16
graceword said:
I am a citizen of an African country. I am usually in the city most times. My home is in a village. My mom told me this: No matter how ok you're with something, if it will make someone else uncomfortable especially in church then change it as long as it's not in contradiction with God's word.

It's not hypocrisy. It's being mindful of others. So if your Christianese or slang or dressing is hindering the spread of the Gospel, change it.

1 Corinthians 10-23 is a good guide.
Click to expand...
You have a wise mother. I wish the pastors in America were that wise.
 
J

J-Kay

Guest
#17
#17
David_1 said:
I think everyone one of us need to have an international awareness, and realise a lot of our values and desires are not in fact Christian based, but culturally based. And that not every country will share these ideals.

In many ways it's easy for Australians, because we are a small country and we have a somewhat international focus.

It's harder for US Americans. You guys.... yeah well, you know you guys have a hard time understanding that the world is not a clone of the US.

And that's okay.

As Christians our mind should be on the Kingdom of Jesus, not our earthly Republics and Kingdoms.
Click to expand...
David I wasn't being critical for the sake of being critical. I was under the impression
we were based here in United States and I have only had contact with Australia a few
times. I do not know the customs of others and this is my purpose of bringing up the
misunderstanding between cultures. At least in Heaven we won't have any of this to
be concerned with. We will be busy worshiping and praising the Lord. Sorry for any
misunderstanding ~
 
K

kenisyes

Guest
#18
#18
J-Kay, I tried to respond to your pm, and could not. It was unlcear what you intended, but I hope we do not lose touch.
 
F

faroukfarouk

Banned
#19
Feb 21, 2014
5,672
18
0
#19
mystic7 said:
I'm speaking from my countries point of view a non-english speaking nation
Be passionate in your sharing of Gods Word,Keep it scriptural,share testimonies
Be friendly,willing to listen to others.In my country sometimes the atitude is aloof,the "visitor" knows everything,everything they say is right.
How you present the Word is very important,Holiness is very important
Some bad examples through the years:
Preaching in shorts
Shouting at the congregation (difference between shouting and speaking loud)
Referring to God as the man upstairs
Jumping on the front kews
"Standing on the Word of God" by putting the Bible on the ground & standing on it
Preachers bear hugging the women folk and men (very offensive)

If you are going to a non english country it best to learn of their culture and dress code is very important
Click to expand...
mystic7:

The Republic of Nauru has had various overseas cultural influences over the years, right? German, British, Australian. I forget the name of the Nauruan lady who wrote 'A Beautiful prayer' which became well known around the world among Christians; she worked for Baron Waqa when he was Education minister, before he succeeded to the Presidency of Nauru.

Blessings.
 
p_rehbein

p_rehbein

Senior Member
#20
Sep 4, 2013
30,195
6,538
113
#20
David_1 said:
I think everyone one of us need to have an international awareness, and realise a lot of our values and desires are not in fact Christian based, but culturally based. And that not every country will share these ideals.

In many ways it's easy for Australians, because we are a small country and we have a somewhat international focus.

It's harder for US Americans. You guys.... yeah well, you know you guys have a hard time understanding that the world is not a clone of the US.

And that's okay.

As Christians our mind should be on the Kingdom of Jesus, not our earthly Republics and Kingdoms.
Click to expand...
Some thoughts:

1) Australia a "small country?"
2) Australia is more "internationally focused" than the US?
3) I don't know any American who thinks/believes the world is a "clone" of the U.S.
4) How did the WASP's come to inhabit Australia?

Yes, we should be about the work of the Kingdom..............."cloning" the world FOR HIM?
 
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