a "window" into the culture
In
Missions, the key to understanding people is to understand their very
culture. The purpose of this section, is to share concepts and insights
that improve our perception and understanding of a given people or
nation.
 DEFINITION
Culture
is the sum total of the idiosyncrasies, distinctiveness, individual
traits and characteristics that identify or characterize the uniqueness
of a nation or people. Some of the ingredients of culture are:
Language,
geography, customs (dress code), family values, food, history,
traditions ( in family, holidays, etc.), written works, value (moral)
system, beliefs (ancestral), regional distinctiveness.
 COMPARISONS
To
compare a culture or customs with another culture is a common mistake.
Each culture should be understood in their own realm of reality, which
include their geographical location, climate, economy, history, past
and present objectives and other elements.
LANGUAGE
 The
identity of a people, of who they are, their thinking, feelings and the
very fiber of their being is found in the unique sounds and meaning of
their language. No other single element contains the essence of a
people. To understand a specific culture, we should begin by
understanding their language.
 CUSTOMS
Of
all the elements that give shape to a culture, this is perhaps the most
complex. Customs is associated with “the way of doing something.”
Customs is associated with traditions, greetings, habits, expectations,
beliefs, value system, and so forth. For people with embedded
traditions, nothing has greater value than their own way and manner in
which they do something. To do it otherwise it would be wrong and
offensive.
 We
might not agree with everything, but that does not mean that rejection
is the only option. Tolerance of things that are not familiar to us,
and that are not contrary to biblical teaching, is essential. The Lord
can change even those elements that are not biblical, in the course of
time, in those that believe in the Gospel. The above brief explanation
could be the key to mutual acceptance and understanding.
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