The Chinese Culture

The origin of various cultures is found in the Book of Beginnings, Genesis. In the beginning, there was only one culture or human race (Gen 11:1). Mankind at that point in time thought that they could build an edifice and a name for themselves (Gen 11:4). Little did they realize their arrogance has provoked the God of heaven bringing about the confusion of languages among them (Babel). The diversity of human cultures was part of God’s plan as is also reflected in His other creation where there are an inordinate variety of flora and fauna. The world is a much better place with diversity and diverse cultures fit the pattern. Paul affirmed what God had intended at the very beginning when he spoke to the learned people gathered at Mars Hill in Athens, “From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.” (Ac 17:26 NIV).

At the tower of Babel, there was the confusion of tongues bringing about a scattering of people. However, in the upper room where the 120 disciples prayed, it brought about a uniting of people from different races through a powerful act of the Holy Spirit (Ac 2:7-11). The day of Pentecost foreshadowed the work that God would do to bring people from different nationalities to His saving grace. John the apostle confirmed this in his vision: “After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.” (Rev 7:9). God loves the world – the Chinese, Indians, Malays, Eurasians, Arabs, Jews and so on. And as the song goes, red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight.

Culture is defined as the sum total of ways of living built up by a group of human beings and transmitted from one generation to another. Human culture is therefore a part of God’s creation. Culture in and of itself is good; it was designed to bring glory to God. Each culture or people group makes a contribution no other can make. However, cultures over the years have been corrupted by the evil one. For example, art forms and architecture once used to glorify God have become objects and edifices that glorify the principalities and powers of this world (Ac 17:29). To restore God’s original intention for each culture, we need to find out the redemptive gift of each culture. For instance, the Chinese culture is known for her industriousness and filial piety. These are biblical values enunciated by Paul, “Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat.” (2 Th 3:12) and “Honor your father and mother — which is the first commandment with a promise.” (Eph 6:2).

As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we need to learn how to appreciate our cultural heritage without compromising our faith. The issue of funeral rites and Chinese festivals would pose a great challenge to believers whose loved ones are non-believers. There are no easy answers to many of the issues that believers would face living in a time when there are many counter kingdom culture onslaughts. And as what Jesus said to the believers during times of persecution, we ought to rely on the wisdom of the Holy Spirit (Lk 21:14-15). Filial piety ought to be shown when our loved ones are around and helping them in the house, or taking care of them when they are old. The gospel of Christ ought to be seen and heard.

The lunar New Year is round the corner and many Chinese would be celebrating the spring festival. Many of the pagan practices whereby food and joss-sticks are offered to deities should have no place in a believer’s life. The giving of red packets and mandarin oranges would serve as a good leverage point to pay respects and make conversations. This encourages family bonding and togetherness, albeit it could be once a year for some families. One thing for sure, even though it’s the year of the rabbit in the Chinese zodiac, to us it’s the year of the Lord’s favour, because of the very fact we are living under grace.

Have a blessed lunar New Year!