Navigating Cultural Diversity: A Biblical Journey into Embracing the Third Culture
In the 1990s, a guy named John Brockman coined the term “Third Culture.” It’s all about blending science and art together. Imagine scientists who also love writing poems or artists who are into studying the stars. These folks don’t just stick to one field; they jump around and connect ideas from different fields.
The Third Culture idea suggests that when you mix science with art, you gain some really cool insights. It’s like when you mix different ingredients to make a tasty dish – each ingredient brings something special to the table. By bringing together scientists, artists, writers, and thinkers, the Third Culture helps us understand big problems, like climate change or new technologies, from lots of different angles.
Today, the Third Culture remains significant. It emphasizes teamwork and thinking outside the box. When we blend science and art, we come up with new ideas and solutions that can help make the world a better place.
Third Culture refers to individuals whose upbringing differs from both their parents’ cultural background and their current environment, resulting in a unique blend of cultural influences. This concept highlights values such as love, learning, and service, which transcend cultural barriers and personal challenges.
In Davis, California, “Third Culture” individuals could be like someone born to Mexican immigrant parents in a neighborhood mostly populated by Asian families, attending local American schools. This person embodies a unique blend of Mexican, Asian, and American influences, reflecting a third culture identity. Imagine seeing them volunteer at the weekly farmers’ market, where people from all walks of life gather to enjoy food and community, regardless of their backgrounds.
In today’s Christian communities, “Third Culture” can mean blending different cultural backgrounds, especially in a diverse place like Davis. Think of a church where people from different ethnic groups gather, blending their cultural traditions in worship. This might mean singing different kinds of songs or saying prayers in different ways, all to bring everyone closer together. Intercultural Mosaics perfectly embodies this “Third Culture,” working hard to carry out God’s plan through loving actions and hospitality.
Even in a smaller city like Davis, the idea of a “Third Culture” aligns well with biblical teachings about identity, belonging, and the importance of cultural diversity. Exploring the Bible could mean looking at how people in the Bible dealt with different cultures, like the early Christian groups in Acts. In Davis, it could mean seeing how different cultural groups work together in the church, the body of Christ, to support and care for each other, showing what it means to live out the third culture in real life. As we embark on this journey, let us explore the rich tapestry of Scripture, weaving together foundational truths with practical wisdom for embracing the third culture within the context of intercultural ministries.
1. Creation and Diversity: Our exploration of cultural diversity’s biblical foundations begins with the creation account in Genesis, where humanity is made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27), emphasizing the inherent worth of every individual regardless of cultural background. The diverse array of landscapes and ecosystems fashioned by a divine hand exemplifies God’s intention for flourishing diversity.
The Bible always says how amazing and important different cultures and languages are. In Revelation 7:9, it shows that even though we’re all different, we can still come together, which is a sneak peek of how God wants to save and include everyone, no matter where they’re from.
After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude, which no man could count, out of every nation and of all tribes, peoples, and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, dressed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands. – Revelation 7:9
2. Identity in Christ: Our Lord Jesus embodies dual identities, as both the Son of God and the Son of Man, enabling Him to connect with everyone and challenge societal norms.
In His teachings, such as Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus emphasizes universal principles like love and compassion, accessible to all cultures. As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate His example by embracing diversity, fostering unity, and embodying love and reconciliation in a world marked by division and strife. The flowing living water from Jesus represents the Third Culture, which embodies the Way.
Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. A second likewise is this, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” – Matthew 22:37-39
Central to embracing the Third Culture is understanding our identity in Christ. Galatians 3:28 declares that in Christ, there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for we are all one in Him. Our primary identity is found in our relationship with Christ, transcending cultural barriers and unifying us as children of God. As followers of Christ, we are called to celebrate our cultural heritage while finding our ultimate identity in Him.
3. The Example of Joseph: Joseph’s journey from betrayal to redemption showcases the transformative potential of the third culture—a harmonious blend of diverse cultural elements rooted in steadfast faith. When Joseph was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, he encountered the unfamiliarity of Egyptian society. Despite facing cultural dissonance, Joseph remained devoted to God, firmly anchoring his identity as a follower of Yahweh. His ability to navigate both Hebrew and Egyptian cultures not only preserved his family and the Hebrew people but also demonstrated the redemptive power of embracing cultural diversity within the context of faith.
Through Joseph’s narrative, we learn the importance of resilience and trust in God’s providence amid adversity. His story teaches us to embrace cultural adaptation within the framework of steadfast faith—a central principle of the third culture concept. By embracing diversity while remaining grounded in faith, we align ourselves with God’s redemptive purposes. As we navigate life’s complexities, Joseph’s example inspires us to draw strength from our firm faith and patient endurance, eagerly anticipating the fulfillment of God’s promises in our lives through the transformative power of the third culture.
4, Embracing Dual Identities and Divine Callings: Let’s talk about Moses—a guy whose life shows what it’s like to belong to two different cultures at once. He was born to Hebrew parents but grew up in an Egyptian palace, so he knew both worlds. Even though he had a fancy upbringing, Moses cared deeply about his Hebrew roots and felt for his people who were suffering. Then, one day while hanging out in the wilderness, Moses had a special encounter with God at a burning bush. God told him to lead the Hebrews out of slavery, and Moses said yes, even though he was scared.
As Moses led the Hebrews through the desert to their new home, the Promised Land, he saw how powerful God is. God helped them escape from being slaves and guided them through tough times. When Moses wasn’t sure if he could do what God asked, it reminds us that we all have doubts sometimes. But God promises to help us and give us what we need. Just like Moses felt stronger with God beside him, we can also bring positive change and spread God’s love in a world that needs healing.
5. Practicing Hospitality and Community: Hospitality is central to embracing the Third Culture. Romans 12:13 urges believers to share with those in need and to practice hospitality. By extending hospitality to others—regardless of their cultural background—we reflect God’s love and create inclusive communities where individuals from diverse backgrounds feel welcomed and valued. As intercultural ministries, let us embody the spirit of hospitality in all that we do.
6. Embracing a Kingdom Perspective: Our perspective on cultural diversity must be rooted in God’s kingdom. Philippians 3:20 reminds us that our citizenship is in heaven. While we navigate earthly cultures and identities, our ultimate allegiance is to God’s kingdom. This perspective frees us from the pressures of assimilation and empowers us to embrace our unique cultural identities while fostering unity and love within the body of Christ.
In 1 Peter 2:9, believers are described as a chosen people, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation. This description implies a unique identity and purpose for those who follow Christ. As such, we are called not only to embrace our own cultural backgrounds but also to transcend them, creating a “Third Culture” that reflects the values and principles of God’s kingdom.
This Third Culture is one that transcends the divisions and biases of the world, uniting people from diverse backgrounds in a shared identity as children of God. It is a culture characterized by love, grace, and reconciliation, where differences are celebrated and used to glorify God. As ambassadors of Christ, we are called to embody this Third Culture, demonstrating to the world the transformative power of the gospel in breaking down barriers and building bridges between people.
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the excellence of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. – 1 Peter 2:9
7. Paul’s Testimony: In 1 Corinthians 9, the apostle Paul offers his own testimony as a model for navigating cultural diversity. He writes:
To the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain those who are under the law; to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law. To the weak I became as weak, that I might gain the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some. – 1 Corinthians 9:20-22
Paul’s testimony exemplifies the principle of cultural adaptation for the sake of the gospel. He was willing to adapt his behavior and mannerisms to connect with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, all while remaining true to the core principles of the gospel. Paul’s willingness to enter into the cultural context of others serves as a powerful example for us as we seek to embrace the Third Culture. Like Paul, may we be willing to step out of our comfort zones, adapt to the cultural contexts of those around us, and build bridges for the sake of sharing the love and truth of Christ.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all as we continue to journey together in intercultural ministries. Amen.
____________
Resource:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third_culture_kid
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/5-ways-to-be-a-third-culture-christian/
