Culture Quote by Timothy Keller
““Some cultures are pragmatic and prod their members to acquire possessions and power. Some are individualistic and urge their members to seek personal freedom above all. Others are “honor and shame” cultures, with emphasis on respect, reputation, duty, and bringing honor to your family. Some cultures are discursive and put the highest value on art, philosophy, and learning.5 These are called “cultural narratives” because they are stories that a people tell about themselves to make sense out of their shared existence. But whatever these personal and cultural narratives may be, sound contextualization shows people how the plotlines of the stories of their lives can only find a happy ending in Christ.6””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Reason for God, 2008
Cultural narratives shape identity; ultimate fulfillment is found in Christ beyond worldly stories.
In simple terms: Culture tells stories; Christ offers true ending.
Key Takeaway
Align personal story with spiritual truth.
Themes
culture
identity
spirituality
Mood
thoughtful
serene
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal development
- interfaith dialogue
- counseling
Key Concepts
Narrative theory
theology
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your culture influence your purpose?
- Can spiritual truth reshape cultural stories?
A Different Perspective
Cultural narratives can be deeply entrenched.
![“24 A few pages later, Delbanco writes the following: [Alexis de] Tocqueville’s detection of a “strange melancholy in the midst of abundance” has a special salience today — because while we have gotten very good at deconstructing old stories (the religion that was the subject of my first chapter…” quote by Timothy Keller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/85a/timothy-keller-240_sad_24-a-few-pages-later-delbanco-writes-the_25320.jpg)
