I have been reading an interesting book about missions. It is basically about problems of the field. Here is an interesting excerpt:
"In dealing with this problem of differences, I have found out that if you will act without prejudice, if you will eat with them, sympathize with them, and do your best for them, they will accept you as you are, and will give ear to what you say. But if you are arrogant, touchy, bossy or rude, they will resent you for what you are. We must work to preach Christ in spite of our differences. We must learn to use the situations of life that we find ourselves in, to the glory of God."
I am not Japanese, and the Japanese are not American. Of course! So there are cultural differences. Sometimes the missionary is richer than the nationals, but sometimes he is poorer. So there can be economical differences. The key is to adapt as much as you can, accept the differences as best you can, and try to foster a mutual respect for one another so that the Gospel will be heard and hopefully accepted.
I largely agree. Especially in Japan where cultural customs are so deep, you really need to get involved and understand why they think the way they think and do the things that they do.
ReplyDeleteWhen sharing the Gospel, however, it's a common understanding here that Christianity is a "western" religion, and our God is a "western" God. It's usually a shock to most Japanese people when you tell them that Christianity actually originated in the east (middle east to be exact). What's also interesting is that many Japanese religious customs appear to have their root in Judaism! Pointing out these similarities may help Japanese people to relate better with Christianity.
By the way, there is even a greater dimension of challenge when you look and speak like them, while on the inside you're actually American. :)