Amie asks: How do you address cultural differences in “right” and “wrong” with your young kids without making them feel embittered toward the local culture but not compromising what you think is important?
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we talk about it as that - different.
ReplyDeletewe don't categorize as right and wrong, per se, but look more at what we think God's Word has to say- if/when the right/wrong question comes up.
we also look at "same but different types" of situations in our own culture and where possible, try and discover if the different might be another way God reveals Himself to men. or we do compare and contrast.
we believe that God created man in His image, and that man chose sin... therefore the cultures and societies that man "creates" will contain elements that reflect God and His image and will also contain elements that demonstrate man's fallen state... ALL cultures. we try and analyze from that perspective when it becomes an issue.
That's a great perspective! We had lots of chats about what God's Word says, too, when ours were young, because we saw a judgmental attitude developing. Nothing horrible, but a definite "us and them" sort of thing that came out like they were disgusted with the people who "did the bad stuff." We talked a lot about how not everyone knows God's plan and just does the best they can with what they know. That led to talks about what it means to love our neighbor and how important it is to be salt and light to them.
DeleteWe try to emphasize "different" also, rather than right and wrong. AND we try to have a positive attitude ourselves towards Turks and talk about Turks positively in our home. When people are late. When they are early. When they cancel on you. When they show up with no warning.
ReplyDeleteOne custom that is difficult for my kids to embrace is having to go to the living room and say "welcome" and kiss or shake the hand of EACH guest individually, even when they aren't expected to sit and visit, say with my lady friends. I try to be flexible, but I try to encourage them to do it since it's seen as rude no too. This really embarrasses my daughter!
We have the same expectation for individual greetings here, and it is really tough for two in our family. I think keeping a positive spin on things is very important, like you said.
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