So... what can this theory
look like in practice?
Location Accept Modify Reject
Thailand Language - The use of
the word satu instead
of amen. Christians of
the traditional church
in Thailand reject this
because they see it as a
Buddhist word, rather than
simply a Thai translation
of amen. Festival - Loy Krathong is a Thai
holiday where families come
together and release small floats
down the river to carry away bad
luck and bad karma. Believers
participate in this community
event but place a cross on
their floats in place of incense
sticks, signifying that Jesus is
the one who has paid for their
wrongdoings. Infidelity - The acceptance
of unfaithfulness in romantic
relationships. Unfaithfulness
is common and even
expected in Thailand. This is
incompatible with a God-
honouring marriage.
Thailand Honour - The honouring
of elders and people in
authority is very important
in Ethnic Thai culture. The
believers retain this part of
their culture by honouring
church leaders and others
older than them in distinctly
Thai ways. Funerals – While the broader
community continues to hold
traditional funerals, even for
believers, the faith communities
conduct a modified ceremony
without the usual Buddhist
elements but with a bible
passage and prayer. Powers - Animistic practices
such as making offerings
to territorial spirits and
divination. Believers must
not engage with other
spiritual powers.
Australia Sport – Watching and
talking about sport
is an important part
of Australian culture
and many believers
enjoy watching sport
as a fun and relational
activity. Socialising – Spending time with
family and friends is highly valued
in Australian culture, however this
often revolves around alcohol.
While investing in relationships
is upheld by believers, the
prominence of alcohol and
drinking to excess is not
God-honouring. Oversexualisation
Followers of Jesus must
reject both the trivialisation
of sex (casual sex) and
the glorification of sex
(prevalence of porn
and sexual content in
pop culture). We have a
completely different story
to share.
Your
community!
Consider what
aspects of your
culture you
should accept,
modify or reject
in order to
follow Jesus.
resonate
· issue 33 · page 6