Religions and Cultures

RELIGIONS and CULTURES ARE THE VISIBLE FOUNDATION OF EVERY CULTURE

Picture this: a Buddhist monk, a Catholic priest, a Muslim imam and a Protestant all go fishing together. After an hour in the boat, the Monk says, “Since I’m not fishing, I’ll go get our respective lunches.” Then he steps out of the boat, walks on the water and returns with three small sacks. No one says anything, but the Protestant thinks, “How did he do that?”

Another hour passes and the Muslim says, “It’s quite hot out here. I’ll go get some more bottled water.” Everyone nods, and he proceeds to walk on the water as well. No one says anything, but the Protestant notices that the Priest doesn’t look at all perplexed.

At noon, the Priest says, “We’re out of drinking water. I’ll go get some more bottles.” And he walks on the water as well.

During lunch the Protestant thinks, I can’t believe that their religions are more powerful than mine. If they can walk on water, then so can I. He says, “I need to go to the bathroom.” He steps out of the boat and immediately plunges into water over his head. The other three pull him back in, but they say nothing. A few minutes later, he says, “Well, I still have to go to the bathroom.” Forcing himself to believe more strongly that he can walk on water, he steps out, and the others have to drag him back into the boat again.

Now he’s angry. My religion is as good as theirs, he thinks. He stands up and says, “I’ll be right back.”

This time when the three other men pull him back into the boat, he hears the Buddhist ask the other two men, “Maybe we should show him where the rocks are.”

Our assumptions about other religions shows us how little we understand our own.

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The vast majority of cross-cultural misunderstandings stem from ignorance of the underlying religion
of that culture.

Imagine you're on a business trip in the Middle East, and you decide to schedule a meeting on a Friday. You discover that most, if not all, of the businesses are closed. Why? Simple. Friday is the holiest day of the week for Muslims. They don’t do business on Friday.

Or perhaps you're visiting a Hindu temple in India, and you wear shoes inside. You always wear shoes everywhere. Before you get just a few step into the entrance, you are rudely escorted out the door. Why? Wearing shoes in the temple taunts the gods with a serious insult.

Many people are unaware of the significant role religion plays in shaping a culture's worldview and how it directly impacts communication between people from different backgrounds. Every religion is embedded in a worldview, which is the culture’s unchallenged core beliefs. These permeate and influence every aspect of the society that has developed around it. And Religion is the visible expression of those unchallenged core beliefs.

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Religions are like the secret sauce in every worldview and culture. They’re the invisible threads that weave through the fabric of societies, influencing everything from what we eat to how we greet each other. And trust me, if you don’t understand these threads, you’re going to end up with a very tangled mess.

Imagine trying to navigate a foreign country without a map. That’s what it’s like trying to understand a culture without knowing its religion. Religions are the GPS of cultures, guiding people’s beliefs, behaviors, and values. They’re the reason why some cultures bow when they greet, while others shake hands or even kiss on the cheek.

RELIGIOUS DIFFERENCES

It’s virtually impossible to understand someone from another culture if we don’t understand, to some extent, their religion. In addition to outsiders making cultural mistakes and causing miscommunications, insiders within each religion have their own problems. Most cultures allow for shallow commitment to their religions, but performing the religious duties in public is essential to continue to be accepted in the community. In many cases, foreigners are more welcome in a society than the locals who openly reject the culture’s religion. Foreigners are not viewed as traitors to the culture.

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EXAMPLES OF REJECTION WITHIN RELIGIONS

Here are some examples of individuals facing rejection within their own cultures due to non-conformity to religious ceremonies.

  • 1. Sofia, a 22-year-old woman, living in a conservative Muslim community, chooses not to wear the hijab like the other women in her conservative Muslim community. As a result, she will face social ostracism, which in strict Muslim countries can lead to her execution.
  • 2. David, from an Orthodox Jewish Family, chooses to marry outside of his faith. Some Jewish communities require that his parents hold a funeral for him, since he is considered dead to them.
  • 3. Aisha, in a Traditional Hindu Household, faces the same fate as David in his Jewish community. Aisha’s parents have chosen who she will marry, an arranged marriage. If she refuses their choice, her family can legally disown her. Since most children live at home until they are married, Aisha will have serious problems finding a place to live and finding a job.
  • 4. Carlos, from a small village in southern Italy, was raised in a conservative Catholic family. He chooses to make friends with a Protestant pastor and begins reading the Bible with him. When his family finds out, they turn him over to the local priest, who demands that he stop this activity. If he doesn’t, the entire community will follow the priest’s lead in excommunicating him, which will restrict where he can shop, work and live. His friends will be expected to reject his company, as well.
  • 5. Two camps exist within the Islamic religion: Sunnis and Shias. Followers in each camp are not allowed to embrace the ideas of the other camp, or they will be ostracized by their own community.
  • 6. Johnny is a Mormon. He has been married for five years. His wife cheats on him, so he gets a divorce. The Mormon Church will exclude him from their churches and communities.
  • 7. For reasons of divorce, some Protestant groups will also reject one of their own members.
  • 8. Jin lives in a Confucian society. He refuses to participate in ancestral worship ceremonies, believing it contradicts his personal beliefs. He believes that his family is worshipping demons. The local shaman and his family will kick him out of the family and community. In some animistic cultures, those who reject ancestral or nature worship are put to death.
  • 9. All religions use external physical things as symbols of their faith. The Sikh’s view their long hair and the turban as significant symbols of their faith. If a member of a Sikh family decides to cut his hair and forgo the turban, this drastic change causes his family to distance themselves from him and no longer consider him to be part of their faith or community.
  • 10. Elena has been raised in a Wiccan household. One day she converts to Christianity and chooses to give up practicing her family’s Wiccan ceremonies. Her family will take her change of faith personally, and accuse her of rejecting her family. In many cases, she will have to stop attending family outings and holidays.
  • These examples illustrate how deeply ingrained cultural and religious practices can lead to significant personal consequences for those who do not conform.

    • International Religions and Religions

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    Madeleine Albright’s comments from a previous post bear repeating. In her 2006 book, “The Mighty and the Almighty,” she described how international politicians needed to understand the religions of the world in order to do a better job of maintaining peace in the world. Governments should use religious leaders to support and explain U.S. foreign policy.

    “Diplomats in my era were taught not to invite trouble. And no subject seemed more inherently treacherous than religion.


    “Looking at what was going on in the world, it was evident that religion and the force of religion and people’s interpretation of how they saw God, really is very much a part of international relations. Rather than keeping religion and religious leaders out of things, we need their help.


    “Our diplomats are very well trained and they are very capable. But, they have not really focused on religion per se as a subject of study. A Secretary of State has economic advisors and arms control advisors and environmental advisors. And so, I would advocate having religious advisors that are complementing all the other advisors.


    “I think they [religious leaders] could be used prior to negotiations at high levels among different parties. And then, have religious leaders validate some of the decisions that have been made after negotiators have finished.”

    Business Practices and Religions

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    As we’ve seen in the previous post as to why cross-cultural communications is important, religions heavily influence the business and economics of every culture.
    Islamic principles greatly influence business practices, particularly the prohibition of interest (riba). Additionally, the concept of halal (permissible) and haram (forbidden) impacts industries like food and finance, shaping consumer behavior and market trends. Other religions, particularly those with secular perspectives, may emphasize profit maximization and individualism over community responsibilities, leading to differing business ideologies.

    Confucianism emphasizes values such as respect for hierarchy, filial piety, and the importance of relationships (guanxi). These principles influence business practices in East Asia. These Asian companies will sacrifice a business deal in favor of relationships, even if the business deal would greatly profit their own people. In contrast, Western religions usually emphasize individualism and competitive entrepreneurship, which can be good or bad, depending on numerous circumstances.

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    The caste system's historical context has shaped economic roles and social classes in India, impacting labor dynamics. The lower castes have a built-in disadvantage, regardless of the ability of the individuals in those castes. The higher caste have the most resources and financial backing. Western religions usually look for the talent of the individual over the position of a person in society. Once a western company recognizes this, the more they scrutinize the abilities of those in the India system. Western religions focus more on success in business, while the Eastern religions focus on status in society.

    The values and norms of each religion directly affect the business relationships and outcomes.

    Conclusion

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    Every culture is based on two fundamentals: Worldviews [lINK] and Religions. Therefore, before diving into what constitutes culture and the vast differences between cultures, we need to study the religion that underlies the culture you are planning on entering, whether as a business person or a tourist. Every religion contains the same categories. Here are twenty-two categories that need to be studied (and mastered) in order to succeed in the world of cross-cultural communications.

    I will not post the information about any of these categories. However, in order to say the reader time, I will publish a small handbook on religions that will be available on Amazon. This booklet will cover all twenty-two categories to show you how to study them. Then it will present seven of the most important categories for all the other religions. Perfection is not possible in this world, but this book should send you down the road far enough to help you successfully navigate cross-cultural communications in your chosen culture/religion.

    Topics You Need to Study
    to Understand a Religion

    1. Name
    2. Symbol
    3. Language
    4. History
    5. Subgroups
    6. Numbers and Distribution
    7. Sacred Texts
    8. Major Beliefs
    9. Important Minor Beliefs
    10. Worship Practices
    11. Culture Practices Unique to Islam.
    12. Power/Authority Structure, Social Organizations and Levels of Society; Political and Legal Systems/Family Structures
    13. Major differences Between this Religion and Other Religions
    14. Military
    15. Friends and Enemies: International Relations
    16. Technology and Material Culture (art, music)
    17. Medical and Health Issues
    18. Economy and Money and Ownership
    19. Personal Rights
    20. Place of women and children in society
    21. Special clothing
    22. Diet

    Here are summary descriptions for each of the listed topics concerning religions, along with their importance for understanding people who practice different religions

    1. Names. This refers to the titles and terms used to describe the religion and its adherents. Understanding names is vital as they carry cultural significance, reflect identity, and often indicate historical context. For example, followers of Islam are called Muslims, while followers of Buddhism are referred to as Buddhists. Knowing these names fosters respect and clarity in communication.

    2. Symbols. Symbols are visual representations associated with a religion and often encapsulate its beliefs, values, and teachings (e.g., the cross for Christianity, the crescent moon for Islam). Recognizing these symbols allows one to understand the religion's core principles and its cultural expressions, making it easier to engage with practitioners and their traditions.

    3. Languages. Languages used in religious texts and rites (e.g., Hebrew for Judaism, Arabic for Islam) are crucial for understanding doctrine and practice. Language influences how teachings are interpreted and transmitted. Familiarity with these languages can enhance appreciation for scriptures and liturgical traditions.

    4. History. The historical development of a religion provides context for its beliefs and practices. Understanding its origins, major events, and figures helps explain contemporary practices and social dynamics. History offers insights into how the religion has adapted or resisted over time, which is essential for engaging thoughtfully with practitioners.

    5. Subgroups. Many religions have subgroups or denominations (e.g., Sunni and Shia in Islam, Catholicism and Protestantism in Christianity). Understanding these distinctions is important to grasp the diversity within a religion and the different interpretations of core beliefs, which shape the identities and practices of their adherents.

    6. Numbers and Distribution. This involves the demographic data about followers and their geographic locations. Understanding the numbers helps contextualize the religion's influence in different societies and informs discussions about interfaith relations and global cultural exchanges.

    7. Sacred Texts. Sacred texts (e.g., the Bible, Quran, Vedas) are foundational for religious teachings and moral codes. They are pivotal for understanding doctrinal beliefs, rituals, and community practices. Engaging with these texts allows for deeper insight into the faith's worldview and ethical guidelines.

    8. Major beliefs. Major beliefs are the core tenets that define a religion (e.g., the belief in one God in Judaism). Understanding these beliefs is fundamental to comprehending the motivations and behaviors of adherents, as they shape not only personal spirituality but also communal identity.

    9. Important Minor beliefs. Minor beliefs, though less central than major tenets, still play significant roles in daily life, rituals, and cultural practices. They reveal the nuances within a religion and illustrate diversity among practitioners, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of followers’ lives.

    10. Worship practices This includes location and worship services and important holidays. Important religious buildings and why they are important (e.g., churches, mosques, temples) are often centers of community life and rituals. Understanding their significance helps contextualize communal gatherings and cultural heritage.

    11. Culture Practices unique to this religion. Every religion and culture have unique ways to express themselves. Some practices are global for those religions like Bahá’í, and others are local, like the Indigenous religions.

    12. Power/Authority structures; social organization and levels of society; political and legal systems. These structures show how religious beliefs intersect with societal organization. Understanding authority and governance within a religion can illuminate how it influences wider social, political, and legal systems, providing insight into the everyday lives of adherents.

    13. Major differences between them and other religions. Recognizing these differences is key to interfaith dialogue and reduces conflict arising from misunderstandings. Knowing alternative viewpoints allows for respectful engagement and helps avoid generalizations or stereotypes about a religion.

    14. Military. The role of military power in certain religions can illustrate complex relationships between faith and state, including historical conflicts or alliances. Understanding this aspect is important for grasping how religion can influence national identity and international relations.

    15. Friends and Enemies: International Relations. Many religions impact geopolitical interactions and international relations, often shaping alliances and conflicts. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for analyzing current events and fostering peaceful coexistence.

    16. Technology and material culture. The relationship between religion and technology can affect various aspects of life, such as communication, rituals, and education. Understanding how a religion interacts with technological advancements reveals how it adapts and evolves in modern contexts.

    17. Medical and Health Issues. Different religions have distinct perspectives on health and medical practices, including views on healing, medical ethics, and end-of-life issues. This understanding is vital for healthcare providers and advocates working with diverse populations.

    18. Economy and Money and Ownership. Economic practices, attitudes towards wealth, and charity (e.g., Zakat in Islam, Tithing in Christianity) vary between religions. Understanding these practices provides insights into the moral frameworks guiding adherents’ financial decisions and community support.

    19. Personal Rights. Many religions influence concepts of personal rights, including gender rights, freedom of expression, and social justice. Understanding these standards helps in discussions about equity and advocacy within religious communities.

    20. Place of women and children in society. Each religion has its own views on gender and family roles, influencing how these groups are treated within communities. Understanding these roles is crucial for comprehending family dynamics, societal expectations, and advocacy efforts.

    21. Special clothing. Attire often signifies identity, community belonging, and adherence to religious practices (e.g., headscarves, yarmulkes). Understanding the importance of these garments helps clarify cultural identity and respect for the traditions of practitioners.

    22. Diet. Dietary laws and customs (e.g., kosher in Judaism, halal in Islam) reveal underlying religious values and ethical frameworks about health, purity, and community. Understanding these practices can facilitate respect in multicultural interactions, especially in shared dining experiences.

    By exploring these topics, we gain a fuller understanding of the religious landscape and the lives of its practitioners, fostering empathy, respect, and constructive dialogue among diverse communities.

    So what's next? What is Culture?

    The author generated this text in part with TAI from Solo Build It!. Upon generating draft language, the author reviewed, edited, and revised the language to their own liking and takes ultimate responsibility for the content of this publication.

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