Website owner: James Miller
On oriental etiquette and the importance of face
In oriental countries like China and Japan it is important not to say or do things that will humiliate a person. If you are going to tell your boss that he is wrong about something, you don’t embarrass or humiliate him by doing it in front of others. It is about face, saving face. It is a deep part of the etiquette of eastern culture. You don’t put people down or humble them. You are sensitive about their ego. You allow them to save face, even if they are wrong. Westerners familiar with the Orient speak about how oriental countries (such as China) are so different from western countries in this regard and it is one of the things that is so difficult for westerners to understand. Well, I personally would never say something that would embarrass or humiliate someone. I am sensitive to other people’s feelings. That is just part of the politeness, consideration for others, and kindness that Christianity teaches. And, in general, I don’t confront people — I act so as to avoid conflict or argument. Jesus taught us to avoid argument and conflict. Not confronting or embarrassing doesn’t mean you are dishonest. You simply know when to keep your mouth shut. Consideration for others and prudence teaches us when to keep our mouth shut. Tactfulness, diplomacy, consideration for other’s feelings is just wise, decent, and prudent behavior. Does this mean that I, in following the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Bible, just naturally act more like the orientals act than the way westerners act?
It is part of oriental culture to place great emphasis on humility. If you praise them they are likely to deflect the praise and say the praise belongs to someone else. Well, the Bible also places a huge emphasis on humility.
Oriental culture places great emphasis on non-confrontation. Jesus Christ placed great emphasis on peacefulness, avoidance of conflict, non-confrontation.
Oriental culture places great emphasis on respect for parents and respect for authority. The Bible also places great emphasis on respect for parents and respect for authority.
It does seem to me that the orientals are in many ways much closer to Biblical teaching than westerners. Why would this be? Well, I think reason, wisdom, and prudence teach what the Bible teaches — and what the orientals practice.
July 2018
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