Question/Answer - Numero 1

What factors of your native culture have informed your religious world view? Explain the impact of these factors.

I grew up accepting God as someone who has a purpose with my existence and has His plans for me to follow. I believe that because of God, I was able to have the experience of living in different parts of the world and encounter various types of cultures. I believe that because of God, I am able to be who I am right now.

I was born in the States and was there until pre-school and came to Korea in kindergarten. For most of my elementary years, I went to a Korean school, and later lived in Canada for about a year and a half during middle school. In elementary, my friends and I would go to the catholic-church nearby every Saturday. It was the stage where I learned about God, who He was, and what He did for us. When I was in sixth grade, which was the first time I came to TCIS, I had the chance to learn more about God through school activities such as Chapel, Bible classes, and Spiritual Emphasis Week.

However, after completing sixth grade, I went to Canada. This time in life was when I stepped further away from God. Although most of my Korean friends around me went to church, some of them seemed to just go out of habit. I occasionally found some of them smoking, drinking, and taking actions that were supposed to be contrary to followers of Christ. .What was ironic was that I found that some friends who did not go to church every Sunday also believed in God and seemed to have more sincere and honest mind-set. Seeing hypocrisy in them, I decided not to join in such a dishonest act. Moreover, I did not experience major hardships while adjusting to a new life. Always feeling that an open-mind is necessary, I had decided to accept the situation as they were and therefore, found the new culture not difficult to follow. Feeling that I could do well without relying on someone else, I didn’t feel the urgent need to lean on God. God became a hazy and distant figure.

Coming back to Korea and to TCIS brought me back a step closer to God. Although I am still learning more about God, I can now rely on Him when I feel stressed or when I feel that I cannot confide my secrets to others. I also realize that the experience I have had: traveling and living in different countries is what makes me and students in TCIS, unique and privileged compared to others. As a Korean who has experienced three different cultures, and a mix of them as well, I thank God for the opportunities that He has given me. I am aware of the fact that I might not be as strong in my faith in God than other Christians, but I am in the process of learning, and I intend to steadily discover more about Him throughout my life.


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