Unique cultures and worldviews significantly shape the way we view the world. Our values, beliefs, and experiences form unique cultures. Our values and experiences also shape our attitudes, behaviors, and decision-making. Therefore, culture is integral to our identity, and understanding helps us understand our environment and various contemporary issues. Unique culture and worldview are essential elements that influence our thoughts, actions, and relationship. They can either be a source of our strength and growth or a barrier to personal and intercultural understanding. This paper will provide an in-depth discussion of unique culture, faith, and contemporary issues such as sexuality, race, and Immigration.
Defining Culture
Our text defines culture as an ecosystem of institutions, practices, artifacts, and beliefs (Chastraw & Prior, 2019). The authors posit that culture comprises articulated and formally processed beliefs (Chatraw & Prior, 2019). According to the definition, it is clear that cultures form the basis on which we reason and relate with each other. For example, the type of food and how we eat might differ from someone living in Tokyo or Netherlands. The main reason is that people from Tokyo or Netherlands have distinct beliefs surrounding the food they consume, which are different from ours. As Chatraw and Prior (2019) put it, “culture provides a grid by which we live and interact with the world around us.”
Faith and Culture
I grew up on the Island of Saipan, where Christianity is embraced and practiced. I was socialized to the doctrines of Christianity because the majority of the people within the environment are Christians. Currently, Christianity has become part of my life and has helped me in terms of spiritual nourishment. As a Christian, my faith has helped me develop a sense of comfort, hope, and purpose in life. In addition, believing in Jesus Christ as my savior and following his teachings has helped me make decisions during difficult times. My faith has also helped me develop a deeper sense of community and connect with the people during prayers. That has also helped me serve others with love and joy as it is written in Galatians chapter five, verse thirteen.
My faith is the foundation upon which my identity is built. I have experienced a lot of personal growth because I usually strive to live in accordance with Christian values and principles. In addition to personal growth, my faith enables me to experience a closer relationship with God, which has helped build my identity. Faith is a journey through ups and downs, but due to my strong belief in God’s love and presence in my life, I have developed comfort and strength to persevere through difficult times.
Contemporary Issues
My cultural background and beliefs greatly shape my worldview of contemporary issues. Regarding race, I believe people are created equal regardless of their race. The book of Galatian chapter 3 verse 28 says that “there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” King James Version Bible, 1994). Racial discrimination, which is still eminent in our country, is against the doctrines and beliefs that I have been raised in. I believe that people are born with equal potential and should be treated equally without any form of discrimination. People should ensure that they treat each other equally, and the system or the government should put proper mechanisms in which all can receive the same service without racial profiling, which can help eradicate racism across all states. Chatraw and Prior (2019) posit that the state of race in America is complicated because racism often manifests itself systematically or individually, and solving the two forms will lead to racial unity and reconciliation.
Sexuality has been the subject of much discussion in recent years. Views on sexuality across different cultures are different; the way I view sexuality is not the same way someone in the middle east views it. I have grown up in a culture that accepts same-sex relationships, and it is normal for same-sex marrying each other. However, as a Christian and in terms of biblical view, I believe that people should follow the doctrine and teachings of Jesus Christ. For example, in the book of Leviticus 18:22 and 21:13 male lying with another male is prohibited (Chatraw & Prior, 2019). The fundamental doctrine of Christianity requires that we obey God and follow all His teachings. However, we should love every community member despite our sexual orientation. The book of John 15:12-13 (King James Version Bible, 1994) says that we should love each other as Jesus Christ loved us, and that shows that we should resist any form of discrimination against members of LGBTQ due to their sexual orientation.
In terms of Immigration, I believe that we are born adventurous, and people should not be restricted from moving around the world. According to Chatraw and Prior (2019) the Bible does not have any particular set of immigration policies for any country, including that ours. As Christians, let us take care of immigrants because that is the way the holy scripture of God wants us to do. According to our text, the scripture often links foreigners with vulnerable groups such as the poor, the widow, and the orphan (Chatraw & Prior, 2019). The Bible also requires that we should protect the vulnerable in society. According to James 1:27 (King James Version Bible, 1994), we should look after the widows and orphans during their times of distress and protect ourselves from being polluted by the world. In addition to that, Deuteronomy 15:11 to 15 (King James Version Bible, 1994). says that for the poor will never cease from the land: therefore I command you, saying, ‘You should open your and wide to your brother, to your poor and your needy, in your land.’ That shows that we should not prevent people from immigrating into our country in the process of looking for greener pastures.
Conclusion
As truly depicted above, unique cultures and worldviews are essential elements that influence our thoughts, attitudes, and interactions with people. It influences even the things we eat, like food. In addition, I grew up in a culture dominated by Christianity, and my perception of the world revolves around the doctrines of the Bible. Contemporary issues such as Immigration, sexuality, and racism are some critical things people have been talking about recently. As a Christian, I believe we should not mistreat immigrants but rather provide a conducive environment where everyone can thrive and prosper. In terms of sexuality, I believe that the Bible dictates how we should marry and relates with each other, and we should conform to the teachings of Jesus Christ. However, we should not Judge those who are members of the LGBTQ because even the Bible prohibits us from Judging others. Racial discrimination is also another big issue, especially in our country. People of color are often mistreated by the criminal justice system, such as by police officers, and that should be eradicated because we were all created the same by God. This paper has greatly helped me in understanding how cultural background shapes the way I view the world. Sometimes I might judge people based on their sexual orientation the way my faith dictates, but I have learned that it is important to accept others who also have their cultural backgrounds and worldviews.
References
Chatraw, J., & Prior, K. S. (2019). Cultural Engagement: A Crash Course in Contemporary Issues. Zondervan Academic.
21st Century King James Bible Publishers. (1994). The Holy Bible: The 21st Century King James Version: Containing the Old and New Testaments.
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