So, who is better than who?

This entry has been created solely for academic purposes only. Issues are brought up and discussed on an impartial stand and the author bears no responsibility if any part of this entry is to offend any parties involved.

According to the list of definitions given as part of our readings, culture can be broadly defined as "the shared patterns of behaviors and interactions, cognitive constructs, and affective understanding that are learned through a process of socialization. These shared patterns identify the members of a culture group while also distinguishing those of another group." 

Undoubtedly, culture is a form of social cement that brings and bonds people with common values and beliefs together as a society/community. Since religion can be considered a major part of culture, I will attempt to evaluate intercultural behaviour through an analysis on the differences in religious views.

I remember having lunch with Ernie, Barney and Sweety at Sakae Sushi one afternoon. Ernie and Barney happened to start a discussion on the subject of religion, specifically Christianity. It started off pretty much like any other random conversation which 2 good friends would have. But it didn't take long before they started disagreeing with each other even though they've been the best of friends for more than a decade. Based on my memory, this was the conversation between them:

*Fictitious names are used to protect the identities of the people involved*


Ernie: I don't really like the way you Christians try to convert people to believe in your religion.

Barney: What about?

Ernie: I mean, not that I have anything against you people. We've been studying in a Christian school for God knows how long! Even though I'm pretty much used to such culture, I wonder why I still can't accept it.

Barney: Did you even try to? I mean, did you even give yourself a chance to embrace it?

Ernie: I did! You have no idea how many times I've tried! I've followed people to church services, prayed, did all the things I'm "supposed" to do! But I still don't find any part of myself Christian and what I can't accept is the fact that many Christians think that by accepting Christ, I will go to Heaven. And so, what happens to me now? I've tried. I can't find myself accepting Christ. So, does that mean I will be sent to Hell instead? Well, in that case, *Ernie turns to Sweety and says* I will see you in Hell!
Barney: No, this doesn't mean that you have to be a Christian to be able to go to Heaven, it just means that by believing in Christ you accept Him in your life, and to share a connection with Him. 

Ernie: *rolls his eyes* OH WHATEVER!

I chose to stay out of the whole conversation to avoid any further misunderstandings. Honestly, I felt that the whole disagreement was unneccesary. It was obviously just a clash of opinions. I believe that each culture, more so religious culture in this scenario, has their own set of beliefs and values. Therefore, I thought it was rather rude of Ernie to spew such sarcastic comments without giving much consideration to Barney, who is his best friend for many years even though he was a devoted Christian. Perhaps this is a classic demonstration of the fact that culture, not only in the form of religion, can be vastly different not only between nations, but between companies, families and even friends.

In this situation, it is evident that the impression of Christianity differs between someone who is part of this religious culture and someone who is not. From Ernie's perspective, being someone outside of this culture group, he found himself struggling to understand and attach himself to some of the values and beliefs of this culture. As such, Ernie would find concepts like Heaven and beliefs relating to it hard to accept  On the contrary, Barney, being someone who was born into and grew up in this culture group, he does not find himself having any trouble immersing in the beliefs of this culture. He knows too well what it means to accept Christ into his life, sharing a connection with God, finding solace in God and living his life the Christian way.

Being a non-Christian myself, I find myself facing some difficulty understanding such abstract Christianity concepts. As a student for 2 years in a Christian Junior College, I have witnessed how Christianity has transformed my friends' lives for the better. Despite not being a believer in Christianity, I can understand how much the belief in God means to Christians. Christianity, like any other religious culture, provides its believers with a set of values and beliefs that play a major role in governing their behaviour. As a form of social cement, religious culture also bonds people of the same cultural group together through various activities. Be it Christianity, Buddhism or other religions, religious functions such as church services and temple festivities serve as effective platforms for interaction and communication between individuals with the same beliefs.

In this aspect, I believe that every individual (in this case, Ernie) is entitled to his own opinions. However, every individual should also bear in mind the need for sensitivity and self-consciousness when communicating with individuals of a different cultural group. It is of utmost importance for individuals to understand and respect the differences of another culture compared to their own. As such, individuals would be able to communicate their opinions in a less offensive manner and be flexible enough to accept any differences in perspectives. It is only through this way that cultural differences and practices can truly be embraced and appreciated.