Chapter 4 - Collectivist and Individualist Cultures
Discussion Questions
Have each member of the group share about their family. Are your parents very involved in your life or more “hands off?” How many siblings do you have? Would you say that you come from a big family or small? Does your family have family reunions? (Leader’s note: These are just example questions. Look for other details as well. If your group knows each other well, encourage everyone to try to find details that the others do not yet know.)
Define the terms “collectivist” and “individualist” cultures.
Quote from the book: “The highest goal and virtue in this sort of culture (individualistic) is being true to one's self. The Supreme value is the sovereignty of the individual.” How has this idea played out in your life so far? Has your experience been similar or different?
Consider the story of Jesus’ birth. Many of us grow up with a certain image in our mind about this whole event. After reading a different description of the story from a collectivist view, how has your perspective on the story changed?
In Acts 16:25-34, Paul and Silas are in prison for casting a demon out of a young girl. Read the passage together and answer the following questions.
How has your family’s faith affected yours?
Does your extended family all share the same faith?
Look at 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. Is Paul addressing the Corinthian church as a collective or each member as an individual? How does this affect the way we apply the text?
Many western christians tend to “privatize” their faith. For example, you might hear someone say, “My relationship with God is just about me and him. He knows my heart. It’s none of your business.” How does this individualistic perspective affect the way we grow as followers of Jesus?
Have someone read John 17:20-23, and then take time praying together that your life group would be knit together in love the way that Jesus wanted.