It is interesting to read in the latest issue of Philosophy Now that a Northwestern University (Chicago) study has found a correlation between the extent to which a country is individualistic and the level of depression experienced by its residents. The study identified Britain, USA, Australia and Western European nations to be the world’s most individualistic societies, that is, societies iin which the self is valued over the group. In more collectivist cultures, such as China and Taiwan, social harmony is valued above individuality. The study, which used surveys from 29 countries, finds that individualistic nations “showed higher prevalence of anxiety and depression.”
While this is dealing with mental health, we might also add that the Christian’s spiritual health requires that he or she place a higher value on membership in the group, the body of Christ, than on himself or herself:
See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness (Hebrews 4:12-13).
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching (Hebrews 10:24-25).
www.facetofaceintercultural.com.au
Posted December 17, 2009
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