WHEN YOU CROSS CULTURES - World Evangelical Alliance
WHEN YOU CROSS CULTURES - World Evangelical Alliance
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 />
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