I’m fascinated by discussions of how the gospel relates to different cultures. Culture is a sacrosanct word for many, and as Christians we should honor diverse cultures and celebrate each other’s unique backgrounds. But there are also points at which the gospel challenges our cultural norms. For instance, though many Americans don’t recognize it, our individualism can undermine the way we live out our Christian calling. Other cultures face different points of tension.
In Eating Bitterness, Isabel Ong discusses the stoic beliefs of her Chinese culture that instill ideals of self-sufficiency and perseverance. But she notes how she needed the gospel to teach her how confess her weakness and bring her struggles to God.
Speaking of struggles, we have a great resource on Dealing with Doubt. Rather than bottling it up, these articles will teach you to admit, address, and even embrace the most difficult questions.