Social Distinctions Between Our Cultures

There are social distinctions between the Thai and American cultures that bear consideration. In the East, the apologetic task of the Christian looks much different than in the Western context. There are significant distinctions between these worlds that ought to be understood as one shares the Gospel.  

Individual Versus Community

There are notable differences revolving around the concepts of “individualism” and “collectivism” between Western and Eastern cultures. This has to do with whether one considers oneself to be independent and self-contained versus being interconnected with the other people around one, valuing the group over the individual. Eastern thought often values community over the self. In fact, some entire social and cultural systems do not support ideas that will elevate individuality and self-assertion. In such cultures, authority and authority figures must be given precedence, facts are secondary. This is seen in the area of work, jobs, and everyday life.

Honor and Face

Another Eastern value that must be taken into serious consideration is honor and face. Honor and face can be more important than almost any other value. Good or even great ideas will be sacrificed for the sake of honor. So an example of what this might look like might be that in a corporation, if a junior partner or employee has a brilliant idea, he must somehow allow his ideas to be credited to his senior if he wants to see them implemented, or be silent. While the idea of individual expression here in the West is celebrated, it is often seen as a social threat here in Thailand. Their social system has been called one of shame/honor instead of guilt like Western societies. What this means is not that they don’t have a sense of personal right or wrong but that social reputation or “face” trumps it. The implications of these intertwined concepts is profound when considering apologetic approaches.

Freedom of Speech

We have the privilege of freedom of speech in the West. It is not a privilege that is enjoyed globally, however. In the West intelligence is highly valued. A brilliant man or woman is often given the freedom to express their views no matter how controversial because of their brilliance. Not so here. Such a person will be silenced and considered a problem if they begin to encroach on sacred ground. Freedom of speech, which is a great privilege in the West, and is considered a right that belongs to every person is not a right in many Eastern countries. For example, here in Thailand, if you express views that are against the government or monarchy or Buddhism, you will be arrested and possibly go to jail or even a correctional camp. This makes drastic differences in how one makes an apologetic approach.

The Function of Deity

Jayson Georges in his book Ministering in Patronage Cultures explains the concept of patron-client relationships, “In many cultures of the world, patronage functions as the social “operating system” that shapes relationships. In the paradigm of patronage, rich people are expected to help meet material needs, and the receiver is obligated to repay with honor." The patron-client model is a foundational part of relationships in many Eastern countries, including Thailand. It is also how people approach deity. Although classic Buddhism does not support the worship of deity or supplication to a deity, this is the actual daily practice of Buddhists. Many will “try out” God and Jesus Christ on the basis or platform of testing to see if this new patron will do more for them than their previous deities. The function of deities in Thailand is to assist in financial matters, to help in crisis situations, protect from danger, heal from diseases, and give luck and wealth. For most, a “loving relationship” with a deity is incomprehensible, it is a strange concept. 

Equality Versus Hierarchy

Social structures are often highly hierarchical and those lower on the social scale must defer to those higher on it. This means that in a business or government organization for example, the junior might have better ideas or skills or even abilities but they cannot assert themselves or do anything to shame or embarrass their superiors. They can privately suggest things to their direct superior and that person may implement their idea, but the junior will probably get no credit for it.
Returning to the idea of apologetics one must always honor one’s listener or risk offending them. This will be communicated by more than words, or language, but also tone of voice, body language, and even facial expressions. So with this idea of honor in mind, in an apologetic approach to a Buddhist, we do not refer to their own religious system because to criticize it would be highly offensive. Instead we stress what is offered in the Christian worldview. For example, in the Christian worldview there is an answer to the questions why do we exist and where did everything come from. We can address the issue of the ultimate destiny of man, if he has a soul, and if this soul could be immortal or eternal. We can focus on truths that every person needs to know, such as that God exists, God created human beings, and humans, being created in the image of God, have intrinsic value. We share that God is like a father and he cares for his children. He cares about them, they are his creation.