What factors of your native culture have informed your religious world view? Explain the impact of these factors
It is just utterly amazing to see my parents being such faithful Christians despite their rigid family backgrounds. My mother’s side of the family is composed of non believers and my father’s side of the family is composed of devoted Buddhists. One thing both families have in common is: they are extremely conservative and depend on the traditions that were handed over for several generations. Etiquettes and manners were strictly demonstrated such as kneeling in front of the elders, cooking during the holidays, holding the spoon after the elders held their spoons first, and using appropriate word choices. Although these were some of the barriers that impeded my parents from encountering Jesus earlier, they have found truth amidst of all the disadvantages. They were the black pearls among the whites, which brought them several difficulties because of the clashes between their traditions and their religion; however, now because of the experiences they have gone through, they were able to give me more opportunities to explore in both perspectives. I wouldn’t call myself a Christian just because my parents are, but because of my understanding of limited beliefs and freedom. If my parents were just as same as other family members, I would probably be forced to worship the pictures of my dead ancestors on the table. Religion is more than God worshipping, but it is a liberty that is given to every human being to depend on. Imagining the people who weren’t able to escape their traditions of their cultures saddens me because the limited choices they have in front of them. I hope my relatives would open up and acknowledge the fact that religion is a form of freedom, not a revolution opposing to the conventions nor demonstrating disrespect towards them.
Luke 9:58-60 ‘He said to another man, "Follow me." But the man replied, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father." Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God."
Families are important. Yes, we know that. We clearly understand, because that was how my parents and I were taught. However, when it came to the choices where God was presented as an option, we had to stand up for our conviction even though it sent us to the point where we couldn’t go back or make reconciliations between our loved ones.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
My culture #1
Posted by Christina Lee at 6:49 AM
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2 comments:
Christina,
Isn't it interesting how our parents' beliefs affect our lives so much? I am beginning to realize, and I witnessed this in the public school I taught at before coming here, that kids imitate their parents and if a parent says something is ok or shows that it is ok with their actions, a child is going to emulate that behavior. In religion though I think kids reach a point where they have to ask their own questions and find their own answers. I know that I had to find independence and find Christ away from my parents' faiths. It was difficult, but ultimately, what I found is 100% more genuine than the faux relationship I had with Christ when it was my parents' faith.
Hi Christina, I hope you are enjoying your break :)
I think it is inevitable that we face conflicts between our family members about our ways of living, especially in Asian society, where tradition and culture are considered one of the priorities. Hence, most of the parents in Asia are very conservative. As you have experienced, conserving the tradition may only be an obstacle to your development. The world is changing, and it will not wait for you to change. Once you are behind the rest of the world, it will take enormous amount of pain and efforts for you to walk along the rest of the world. However, tradition and culture are important since it is part of who you are. Therefore, in my opinion, it seems best for you that you take time to come up with a resolution that would both satisfy your parents and help you to reach your goals.
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