Culture and Heritage

This week has been interesting. God has placed us in a fascinating world full of people – each with their own culture.

Chelsea was given an assignment relating to racism. As we talked we thought about issues of racism, for we belong to a persecuted people group. One of my grandfathers changed his name – possibly to blend into his new country. Another grandfather was refused lodging in North Carolina because he was Jewish.

My grandparents came to America in the late 19th century and early 20th century in the hopes of a better life. They were poor and persecuted in their home countries, (My great grandfather Tbatznik punched a Cossack during a pogrom, which is why he had to leave Russia – traveling through Romania, Italy and France before immigrating to the United States) and came to America, the land of opportunity.

We talked about a friend of Chelsea’s who immigrated from Mexico. After eight failed attempts, she finally successfully entered the United States on her ninth crossing of the Rio Grande. Her family has made a life for themselves in the United States and successfully become productive members of their community.

Sarah is working on our new Hagaddah, which shares the Jewish custom of Passover so gentile Christians can cross the culture barrier and understand the world in which Jesus lived. We want Christians to understand the story of the Exodus which is central in our faith. Hopefully it will be publish “A Christian Passover in the Jewish Tradition” next week.

Tonight during a scout meeting aimed at earning the God and Country badge we looked at heritage. Among the group were people born in North Carolina, Mississippi, Florida and Kazakhstan. We shared from Baptist, Catholic, Jewish and Orthodox backgrounds. Our experiences were diverse. But we had one thing in common – Christ.

Christ helps us overcome differences, appreciate culture, and work together for a higher goal … to reach our world with the Gospel. The name Jesus means “Salvation” (one of the answers in tonight’s meeting). We are to reach all people with the message of Salvation.

I work with all ages of adults from college to Senior Adults. One of the cultural things that comes up from time to time is music. Each group enjoys music from their generation and culture. We are to rally around the name of Christ – and enjoy the variety God gives us in life.

Jesus said this, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”