Cultural appropriation refers to the adoption or use of elements of one culture by members of another culture. This can include everything from fashion, music, language, customs, and more. In recent years, cultural appropriation has become a hotly debated topic, with some viewing it as problematic while others see it as a natural byproduct of cultural exchange. The Bible does not directly address cultural appropriation. However, there are some biblical principles that can provide wisdom when thinking about this issue.
Value and respect all cultures
The Bible teaches that all people are created in God’s image and have equal value and dignity (Genesis 1:27). Followers of Jesus are called to love their neighbor as themselves (Mark 12:31). This implies respecting other cultures and not exploiting or misusing them for selfish gain. Christians should be careful not to treat elements of another culture as novelties or commodities without regard for their original meaning or significance.
Avoid cultural superiority
In the New Testament, the apostle Paul teaches that ethnic and cultural differences should not be a source of division or discrimination in the church (Galatians 3:28). Believers from every nation and culture are equal members of God’s family. The Bible condemns attitudes of cultural superiority that were common in the ancient world (and still persist today). Christians should be humble and avoid denigrating or showing disrespect to other cultures.
Promote mutual understanding
Healthy cultural exchange involves seeking to genuinely understand and learn from other cultures. Christians can follow the pattern of missionaries like the apostle Paul who immersed themselves in local contexts to communicate the gospel in culturally relevant ways (1 Corinthians 9:19-23). This requires listening, building relationships, and gaining insight into the values and worldviews of others. Mutual learning fosters unity amid diversity.
Consider context and meaning
When adopting elements of another culture, it is important to do so with care and integrity. The apostle Paul warns against practices that are not beneficial or constructive (1 Corinthians 10:23). Mindlessly copying or commercializing cultural treasures fails to consider the original context and meaning. Christians should be sensitive to how their use of cultural elements will be perceived by others.
Walk in love
The Bible encourages acting in love towards others (1 Corinthians 13; 1 John 4:7-12). There are often complex dynamics involved in cultural appropriation that can provoke hurt or misunderstanding. Christians can take a thoughtful approach motivated by empathy, compassion and a desire for mutual understanding. This involves humbly listening to those who raise concerns and considering how to show respect in areas of cultural sensitivity.
Pursue unity in diversity
Heaven is portrayed as a multi-ethnic gathering of believers from every tribe, language and nation united in worship of God and the Lamb (Revelation 7:9-10). The church is called to model this inclusive community. While diversity can be challenging, Christians have an opportunity to demonstrate reconciliation. With the Spirit’s help, they can overcome barriers and offense to live in harmony (Ephesians 2:14-18).
In summary, the Bible does not directly address cultural appropriation, but provides principles that can help Christians navigate this issue with wisdom, integrity and love. This involves valuing all cultures, avoiding superiority, promoting mutual understanding, considering context and meaning, acting in love, and pursuing unity in diversity through the power of the gospel.
Common examples of cultural appropriation
There are many real-world examples that are often discussed today in relation to cultural appropriation. Here are a few common ones:
- Fashion/clothing – Wearing traditional or ceremonial garments from other cultures as everyday fashion, costumes, or mocking them.
- Hairstyles – Adopting historically and culturally significant hairstyles, like braids or locks from African cultures.
- Music/art – Using musical or artistic styles and motifs from other cultures without acknowledgment, respect, or sharing profits.
- Religious symbols – Trivializing sacred artifacts, practices, or rituals by using them ignorantly as decorations or for profit.
- Language – Mocking accents, incorrectly using words or phrases from another language in ways that disrespect their meaning.
In assessing situations like these, considerations like the following can help determine if offense is justified:
- Does the use degrade or misrepresent the original meaning/significance of the cultural element?
- Is it being done without permission or input from the originating culture?
- Does it perpetuate stereotypes or exert power in insensitive ways?
- Is the cultural context ignored and the element treated as a novelty or commodity?
- How would people from the originating culture likely feel about this use?
No definitive formulas exist, but prayerful sensitivity and desire for mutual honor can help guide wise decisions.
Navigating cultural appropriation as a Christian
When faced with concerns about inappropriate cultural appropriation, here are some principles that can help Christians respond in a biblical manner:
- Listen and seek to understand – Proverbs 18:13 says, “If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.” Avoid being defensive and humbly consider other perspectives.
- Show empathy – Philippians 2:3 says to consider others more significant than yourselves. Seek to grasp why it feels demeaning or hurtful.
- Take responsibility – If you have participated in insensitive or dishonoring behavior, own up to it, apologize, and stop. Repentance brings freedom.
- Make amends – If possible, try to make efforts to undo offense and correct wrongs (Matthew 5:23-24). Give credit, share profits, support marginalized communities.
- Exercise discernment – Seek wisdom to distinguish between respectful cultural exchange and harmful appropriation. Some gray areas exist.
- Err on the side of love – When unsure, default to the choice that demonstrates the greatest love and consideration for others (1 Corinthians 13:7).
With prayer, courageous dialogue, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Christians can overcome ignorance and find reconciliation. This pleases God who desires people from every culture to be welcomed into His family.
Cultural appropriation versus appreciation
An important distinction exists between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation. Appropriation is often insensitive, while appreciation engages respectfully.
Cultural appreciation can be defined as:
- Learning about another culture out of genuine interest and respect
- Participating in cultural experiences by invitation/approval of those from the culture
- Giving proper credit and showing gratitude for what you have learned
- Enjoying diverse cultural expressions and viewing them as equal, not exotic
Some tips for appreciation include:
- Research thoroughly to avoid mistakes and understand context
- Acknowledge your limitations in interpreting another’s culture
- Invite feedback from cultural insiders and be willing to make adjustments
- Focus on exchanges that enrich both cultures rather than merely consuming from others
Cultural appreciation opens the door for mutual learning and prompts all people to share their gifts, creativity, and perspectives.
Promoting cross-cultural understanding as Christians
For Christians seeking to build bridges across cultures, here are some suggestions:
- Recognize common ground – All people are image-bearers of God (Genesis 1:27) and Jesus died for all (John 3:16). Identify shared hopes and struggles.
- Emphasize our equal status – Before God all stand on equal ground as sinners in need of grace (Romans 3:23-24). Avoid superiority or paternalism.
- Affirm the value of diverse cultures – Each culture reflects part of God’s multi-faceted wisdom (Ephesians 3:10). Appreciate uniqueness.
- Learn their history – Study the origins and experiences of other cultures. Let this shape your perspective and interactions.
- Build personal relationships – Get to know people from different cultures. Share your life and be mutually transformed.
- Seek common mission – Unite around shared Kingdom purposes. Turn boundaries into bridges.
As Christians practice these attitudes and actions, they can develop competency in bridging cultural divides for the glory of God.
Cultural appropriation and racism
Insensitivity to other cultures can be closely tied to racism. When people feel entitled to indiscriminately take whatever they want from other cultures, it reveals a lack of respect for those deemed “other.” This unloving attitude is incompatible with Christianity (1 John 4:20).
Factors that relate cultural appropriation to racism include:
- A sense of superiority over minority cultures
- Assumption of right to take anything desired from other cultures
- Lack of consideration for cultural context and meaning
- Commodification of cultural heritage for profit or novelty
- Mocking or stereotyping minority cultures
- Silencing voices who protest insensitive treatment
Christians must combat racism and cultivate cross-cultural understanding. Some suggestions include:
- Confess racist attitudes and repent
- Listen to grievances and seek forgiveness
- Advocate for reconciliation and justice
- Amplify marginalized voices
- Educate yourself on other cultures and perspectives
- Use art, media, business for cultural exchange rather than exploitation
Loving our neighbor as ourselves applies across cultures. As Christians stand against racism, they can foster honor and mutual enrichment between all people groups.
Conclusion
Cultural appropriation involves complex dynamics requiring wisdom and sensitivity to navigate. The Bible provides principles that illuminate helpful approaches, even if it does not address this specific issue. As Christians learn to value diversity, avoid superiority, increase mutual understanding, act in love, and pursue unity across cultures, they can model God’s desire for reconciliation and honor between all people. This calls for humility, courage, discernment, and commitment to forgiving one another in a way that pleases Christ and builds His Church.