http://www.theroterts.net/blog/2008/01/12/defending-culture/ A candid look at the Rotert family as we learn to navigate Italian life. Thu, 08 Jan 2009 22:02:32 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.3 http://www.theroterts.net/blog/2008/01/12/defending-culture/#comment-900 sqjtaipei Wed, 16 Jan 2008 03:56:15 +0000 http://www.theroterts.net/blog/2008/01/12/defending-culture/#comment-900 Good observations. I find that I'm the same way here in Taiwan. The fact that you struggle with it and are introspective about it is a good thing, IMO. It indicates that you are probably handling the situation well instead of ignoring it. The cross-cultural aspect of missions is toughest for me. Not the actual Taiwanese cultural ways... but trying to discern what is actually cultural... what is sinful... what should be preserved... confronted... etc. Then, of course... there's the loyalty I feel to America. I've noticed that the parts of "American culture" that people seem to appreciate or maybe ignore (not bash on) ARE the parts that overlap with what you call "Christian culture". I've also found that most AMERICANS don't have an accurate impression of what the USA is doing in the world (and what she's responsible for)... why should we expect that people living in other countries would understand? Some do... but most don't... and just repeat misconceptions that were passed on to them. Good observations. I find that I’m the same way here in Taiwan. The fact that you struggle with it and are introspective about it is a good thing, IMO. It indicates that you are probably handling the situation well instead of ignoring it. The cross-cultural aspect of missions is toughest for me. Not the actual Taiwanese cultural ways… but trying to discern what is actually cultural… what is sinful… what should be preserved… confronted… etc. Then, of course… there’s the loyalty I feel to America. I’ve noticed that the parts of “American culture” that people seem to appreciate or maybe ignore (not bash on) ARE the parts that overlap with what you call “Christian culture”. I’ve also found that most AMERICANS don’t have an accurate impression of what the USA is doing in the world (and what she’s responsible for)… why should we expect that people living in other countries would understand? Some do… but most don’t… and just repeat misconceptions that were passed on to them.

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