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WHEN YOU CROSS CULTURES - World Evangelical Alliance

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AN EXAMPLE OF CONTEXTUALISATION AMONG JAPANESE<br />

WORLDVIEW, BELIEFS AND VALUES<br />

The Japanese worldview founded upon Nature, together with its<br />

assimilated beliefs from Shintoism, Confucianism and Buddhism, have all<br />

influenced the values of the people.<br />

Interpersonal relationships are very important and valued. Security for<br />

the individual is linked to the group he belongs to, and what they think of him.<br />

Maintaining harmony among associates must precede other considerations.<br />

The Japanese term “wa”, meaning harmony, is basic to all interpersonal<br />

relationships.<br />

Value is also placed on relativity. In expressing opinions, being “gray” is<br />

better than a dogmatic “black or white”. However, being “scientific” gives<br />

assurance to people. Authority and order must be respected. Society should be<br />

well-ordered and controlled. Loyalty is also important. A high status and a<br />

good education are also to be valued.<br />

OVERVIEW OF WORLDVIEW, BELIEFS AND VALUES<br />

WORLDVIEW AND BELIEFS<br />

NATURE-CENTRED<br />

Integration of Nature, Man, gods:<br />

gods to benefit Man<br />

MULTI-LAYERED CULTURE<br />

SHINTOISM: Nature-Centred<br />

and Man-Centred<br />

Religion for Prosperity<br />

Affects Community & Nation<br />

CONFUCIANISM: Man-Centred<br />

Religion for Morality<br />

Affects the Family<br />

BUDDHISM: Man-Centred<br />

Religion for the Heart<br />

Affects the Individual<br />

EVOLUTION: Man-Centred<br />

Philosophy for Scientific Belief<br />

VALUES<br />

Relate to INTERPERSONAL<br />

RELATIONSHIPS (and “wa”)<br />

which affect the<br />

INDIVIDUAL, FAMILY,<br />

COMMUNITY AND NATION<br />

Harmony (“wa”)<br />

Security<br />

Relativity<br />

Science<br />

Prosperity<br />

Morality<br />

Inner Fulfilment<br />

Education<br />

High Status<br />

Authority<br />

Order<br />

Loyalty<br />

37

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