The truth discussion and the clash of cultures

Truth

unchangeable, fixed reality, inflexible, invariable

objective relativism

The view that the beliefs of a person are true for them but not for others

Religious relativism

states that one religion can be true for one person or culture but not for another

moral relativism

there are no moral absolutes, no objective ethical right and wrong. true for some but not for others.

Cultural relativism

states what is immoral in our culture is not necessarily immoral in another. No one can judge another cultural moral value.

Original definition of tolerance

putting up with; enduring

New definition of tolerance

being open and accepting all ideas

Honor

Acknowledgment or measure of worth. Person’s right to respect

Shame

A negative public rating. State of being devalued according to some standard of worth

Achieved honor/shame

based on something you did/earned

What is an example of achieved honor/shame?

bad grades, bad actions

Ascribed honor/shame

based on relationship to someone else by association

What is an example of ascribed honor/shame

Family name

What are the 6 implications/results of relativism?

1. Persuasion is not allowed

2. to be exclusivist to be arrogant

3. it breeds hypocrisy and enslaves people

4. Tolerance is the most important virtue

5. In the absence of truth, power rules the day

6. masquerades as humility, but promotes pride and flattery

When are some times that relativists expect absolute truth?

the news, courts, schools, loved ones

why do relativists not demand absolute truth regarding morality and religions specifically?

because they don’t want to be held accountable to any moral standards or religious doctrine.

What does the elephant parable explain?

that the different parts of the elephant are just different parts of the truth.

What are the problems with the elephant parable?

1. the men may be blind but the elephant isn’t mute

2. assumes that Christians don’t understand their error

3. it is self refuting; it says that no one can see the full objective truth, yet the parable claims to teach it

Can all religions be true

if all beliefs are true, then the belief that all beliefs are not true would also be true. It is self-contradicting.

why should we care to understand cultural differences?

when we unknowingly break a cultural rule it can affect some relationships or offend people.

What are some major differences that the western side has?

• values emotional expresiveness

• takes risks

• strong work ethics

• direct eye contact

• vocal leadership

What are some major differences that the non western side has?

• less reliance on words

• pay attention to context emotions

• looks at big picture

• direct praise is singled out

• silent leadership

• asking questions is disrespectful

• avoid conflict/risks

Guilt/innocence response to sin

views wrongdoings as breaking laws; such people are guilty and require forgiveness to become innocent

Shame/Honor response to sin

shame people who fail to measure up to community expectations; a person’s honor must be restored to be accepted again

Fear/Power response to sin

Fear the unseen world of spirits, curses, and ancestors; people employ magical rituals to gain power over the spiritual world

Where do we see Honor/Shame in scripture?

Psalm 44:13-16, “You have made us the taunt of our neighbors, You have made us a byword among the nations. All day long my disgrace is before me and shame has covered my face

In what countries/continents are we more likely to see guilt/innocence?

Western countries

In what countries/continents are we more likely to see Honor/shame?

Asian, Africa, Middle eastern

How would you share the gospel using an honor/shame context instead of a guilt/innocence?

Sin is shame. Shame makes sin and destroys peace, breaking our relationship with God. Jesus left Glory to honor us. His miracles brought back honor

several ways we can overcome cultural differences between ourselves and another person

1. Make yourself aware of differences and avoid stereotyping

2. try their food and learn phrases

3. avoid the us vs. them mentality

4. avoid argument and debate

5. Don’t ignore the role of community in the person decision making

6. Pray for their honor

7. Use stories and proverbs