Relating Digital Interculturality to Culture Care in the Mission of God
In an increasingly digital world, technology has transformed the way people interact across cultures. Digital communication has the potential to bridge geographical, social, and cultural divides, fostering intercultural understanding and collaboration. As Christians, our participation in God’s mission (Missio Dei) calls us to engage with culture in a way that reflects our identity as image-bearers of God. This approach, known as culture care, challenges us to use digital tools responsibly, ensuring that online interactions promote mutual respect, learning, and reconciliation.
This article explores how digital technologies—social media, online educational platforms, and collaborative technologies—can facilitate meaningful intercultural dialogue. By leveraging these digital spaces, we can engage in culture care, reflecting God’s creative and relational nature in a fractured world.
The Role of Digital Communication in Intercultural Dialogue
Overcoming Geographical and Cultural Barriers
The digital revolution has made cross-cultural interaction more accessible than ever before. Online platforms enable real-time conversations between individuals from vastly different cultural backgrounds, reducing the barriers that once separated societies. Social media networks, video conferencing tools, and online forums create spaces where people can share their perspectives, traditions, and worldviews with a global audience.
From a biblical standpoint, this mirrors the Apostle Paul’s efforts to bridge cultural divides in his missionary work (Acts 17:16-34). Just as Paul engaged with the Athenians in their cultural and intellectual spaces, Christians today can engage with different cultures through digital platforms, fostering understanding and shared learning.
Technology as a Tool for Cultural Exchange
Digital platforms have become powerful tools for cultural exchange, enabling individuals to experience other cultures without leaving their homes. Online museums, virtual reality experiences, and global discussion forums expose people to diverse traditions, histories, and worldviews. These tools can foster empathy and cultural literacy, helping individuals appreciate the richness of global diversity.
In a world where cultural misunderstandings often lead to division and conflict, digital platforms provide a unique opportunity for reconciliation and peacebuilding. Proverbs 15:1 reminds us, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” By engaging in thoughtful, respectful, and compassionate online conversations, Christians can embody this wisdom in digital spaces.
Challenges and Opportunities in Digital Intercultural Communication
The Risk of Digital Miscommunication
While digital communication offers many advantages, it also presents challenges. One of the primary difficulties is the lack of nonverbal cues in online interactions. Without facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language, messages can be easily misinterpreted, leading to unintended conflict.
To navigate these challenges, intercultural competence is essential. Proverbs 18:13 states, “To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.” This wisdom applies to digital communication, urging us to listen carefully, seek clarification, and approach intercultural dialogue with humility and openness.
The Echo Chamber Effect
Another challenge of digital communication is the tendency for online algorithms to create echo chambers—digital spaces where people are only exposed to viewpoints that align with their own. This can reinforce biases and prevent meaningful cross-cultural dialogue.
Breaking out of these digital silos requires intentionality. Christians can actively seek out diverse perspectives by engaging with content from different cultures, following thought leaders from various backgrounds, and participating in international online discussions. Romans 12:2 calls believers to “not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of [their] mind.” In the digital realm, this transformation involves a commitment to learning from diverse voices and perspectives.
Practical Strategies for Effective Digital Intercultural Communication
1. Cultivating Digital Empathy
Empathy is foundational to effective intercultural communication. When engaging in online discussions, it is important to approach conversations with curiosity rather than judgment. Asking open-ended questions, actively listening, and acknowledging different viewpoints help foster respectful dialogue.
2. Practicing Digital Hospitality
Hospitality is a biblical principle that extends beyond physical spaces into the digital world. Just as Jesus welcomed people from all walks of life, Christians can cultivate a spirit of hospitality online by creating inclusive and welcoming digital communities. This involves moderating discussions with kindness, avoiding divisive rhetoric, and encouraging respectful discourse.
3. Leveraging Online Educational Platforms
Online educational platforms provide excellent opportunities for intercultural learning. Websites offering language exchange programs, global theological discussions, and cross-cultural training courses enable individuals to engage meaningfully with different cultures. Missional University’s approach to online learning exemplifies this, providing digital spaces where students from diverse backgrounds collaborate, learn, and grow together in their understanding of God’s mission.
4. Engaging in Cross-Cultural Digital Partnerships
Digital collaboration tools enable individuals and organizations to work together across cultural boundaries. By participating in cross-cultural digital initiatives—such as virtual service projects, global ministry partnerships, and online social justice campaigns—Christians can actively contribute to culture care in the digital age. These partnerships reflect the biblical principle of unity in diversity, as described in 1 Corinthians 12:12-14.
Digital Intercultural Communication and Culture Care
Culture Care as a Digital Mandate
Culture care is the act of nurturing and stewarding the world in a way that reflects God’s character. In the digital space, this means using technology to promote understanding, reconciliation, and human dignity. Christians are called to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16) in every sphere of life, including online interactions. By engaging in culture care, we reflect the image of God and contribute to a more just and compassionate digital landscape.
Promoting Shalom in the Digital Age
The biblical concept of shalom—peace, wholeness, and flourishing—should guide our approach to digital intercultural communication. Rather than allowing digital interactions to become sources of division, Christians can use technology to foster healing, bridge divides, and cultivate meaningful relationships. This aligns with God’s desire for humanity to live in unity and mutual respect (Ephesians 4:3).
Conclusion
In a world marked by cultural fragmentation, digital communication offers both challenges and opportunities for intercultural engagement. As Christians, our calling to reflect God’s image extends to the digital realm. By embracing culture care, practicing digital hospitality, and seeking intercultural understanding, we can contribute to a world that reflects God’s love and creativity.
Missional University provides a model for this engagement, demonstrating how digital platforms can be used to foster global learning and collaboration. As we navigate the digital age, let us commit to using technology as a tool for reconciliation, mutual respect, and the advancement of God’s mission
Sources
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- Moreau, S., Campbell, E.H., & Greener, S. (2014). Effective Intercultural Communication: A Christian Perspective (Encountering Mission). Baker Academic.
- Newbigin, L. (1989). The Gospel in a Pluralist Society. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.
- Smith, D.K. (2022). Creating Understanding. 2nd edition. Artists in Christian Testimony International.
- Smith, J. K. A. (2009). Desiring the Kingdom: Worship, Worldview, and Cultural Formation. Baker Academic.
- Tucker, F. (2020). Intercultural Communication for Christian Ministry. Independent Publication.
- Wright, N. T. (2010). After You Believe: Why Christian Character Matters. HarperOne.
Liezl Erlank is a dynamic professional with extensive experience and a strong educational background, particularly in the realm of missional work. Her career began with a foundation in communication and theology, earning degrees in Communication Science, Film and Visual Studies, and Practical Theology. Liezl’s missional journey is highlighted by her roles in youth ministry, leadership at a Christian radio network and a Christian magazine in South Africa, where she managed operations, team leadership, online marketing, and content development. Her dedication to youth ministry, education, and Christian media underscores her passion for serving communities and spreading the Christian message. Fluent in English and Afrikaans, Liezl’s proactive mindset, leadership skills, and commitment to continuous learning have enabled her to make a significant impact in her various roles, reflecting her dedication to excellence and meaningful contribution to mission work.
