It has been nearly two weeks since I finished reading this book but I thought that I would like to relay a few significant thoughts that Duane Elmer shared. This is a very typical cross-cultural introduction (with discussion about the orientations of time vs. event, relational vs. task, etc.) that would serve the Christian business executive as well as it would the missionary. But one of the unique characteristics of the book is that its author's amount of broad cross-cultural experience that he uses to season the text with relevant and memorable stories. The two chapters that I found the most interesting were his discussion about trust in building cross-cultural relationships and his chapter on individualism vs. collectivism. The issue of trust is central to how Elmer introduces the cross-cultural task. We must not only be thinking trustingly of those we meet, but we must also consider how we can cultivate trust in those we are trying to minister to and meet. Our first reaction to what we don't understand (which is most everything when we are in another culture) is to think negatively and distrustfully. For anyone who has been to Tanzania, my first experience of having a grown man hold my hand was like this! Yet, once we take the time to understand the reason for the action (a demonstration of friendship and courtesy), we are better able to process the situation. When we don't understand, Elmer stresses, we must reserve judgment. We must come to a conclusion about puzzling cultural questions, but we can't come to a conclusion until we have asked the right questions and not just assumed motives. Elmer's chapter on individualism vs. collectivism prompted me to think about the implications of presenting the gospel in a collectivistic society. I must be understanding of the fact that in making such a life-changing decision as to accept the gospel, the unsaved may consult their elders and family at length. This could be thought of negatively as a hindrance (someone stalling, not receiving believing counsel, therefore not receiving the gospel) or it could be considered positively (the gospel going out to friends and family also, whole families coming to Christ). Eventually, in obedience to Christ, the person must move beyond the counsel of others and believe the gospel, if that counsel is opposed to it. The Lord instructs us to take up our cross and follow him, and that cross may mean rejection from those we love and respect. Yet, we, as Americans, who think individualistically, do not initially recognize some cultures' collectivistic necessity to consult elders and friends before receiving the gospel. Overall, Cross-Cultural Connections is a book that I would recommend to anyone who is preparing to enter the cross-cultural journey.
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