“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3
A Cambridge article comparing Western and Eastern thinking contrasts, “Western versus non-Western societies.” (1) In examining the differences between the “independent and interdependent self-concepts” found in Western and non-Western societies, the article explains that in the West, we prefer rugged independence, even isolation. Relatedly, it is worth noting that many of the heroes in our cultural stories about nobility are “Lone Wolf” archetype loners such as The Lone Ranger, Rambo, Batman, Superman, and Spiderman.
Non-Western societies, by contrast, are more interdependent in their mindset, seeing themselves not as autonomous but rather as part of a web of social relationships. Eastern-minded people do not generally see themselves as islands but rather as interconnected to family and friends, as well as a God or gods, and a homeland with generational connections.
Whereas a Western mind wants to learn about oneself by studying their feelings, personality type, or sexual orientation, an Eastern mind wants to look outward to family and friends, back to generations of people related to them, and to those who worshipped their God or gods. Subsequently, in a Western mind, the highest ideal is to be true to oneself, whereas, in an Eastern mind, the highest ideal is to be true to one’s family, people, or god.
This explains why shame is such a powerful motivating factor in Eastern cultures and why there is so little shame, even for shameful beliefs and behaviors, in the West.
Insofar as Hebrews is concerned, for many with a Western mindset, the focus on ancient people in the Old Testament may seem unimportant because our focus is on ourselves as isolated individuals. However, those with more of an Eastern mindset, or from a culture deeply committed to multi-generational family and broader community, are perhaps better able to grasp the focus Hebrews places on these themes in the Old Testament.
Stay tuned for tomorrow’s devotional about what Western and Eastern thinking believes is the greatest good.
Do you tend towards independence or interdependence in your own life?
(1) https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20170118-how-east-and-west-think-in-profoundly-different-ways
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Selfish Christianity
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