Last week I shared an update about my recent trip to Cuba; that post focused on the collaborative spirit that emerges from opportunities like this. Today, I want to share a few reflections about my trip and how they are informing Winebrenner’s (as well as my own) understanding about theological education in an international context.
First, while I’ve spent considerable time in Haiti, it took me a few days to recognize the uniqueness of Cuba. Havana, Cuba, is approximately a 45 minute plane ride from Miami and is basically between the United States and Haiti. There are obvious similarities such as the location in the Caribbean Sea and the climate but the history and culture are very distinct. It took me a few days before I was able to fully shift my thinking from how is Cuba like Haiti to how is Cuba unique?
Whether trying to understand the teenager in our own house or working out the uniqueness of a new international context, we need to be intentional about recognizing the uniqueness of each context and person. We can’t focus on comparisons between cultures or people but must allow the differences to emerge and inform our thinking.
Second, and this is an example of one specific difference, I was struck by the diversity of people in the greater Havana area. Again, using Haiti as my reference point, I was expecting more of a monocultural environment. However, it became very apparent that Cubans, if I can generalize, represent a much wider array of appearances than I expected. From skin color to clothing there was a wider variety than anything I expected to experience.
Unfortunately, and I’m no different, we tend to think we know what to expect when encountering something or someone different from us. My assumptions about Cuba were unchallenged until I visited there – in fact, I didn’t even know I had assumptions about Cuba! It’s a challenging question to consider but the best way to overcome our assumptions or uncertainties about others is to talk and visit with those who are unfamiliar to us. It’s likely there are assumptions that you have about others that are “blind spots” in your own life.
Finally, and most important, there is no remnant of any form of cultural Christianity in Cuba. No one “goes to church” because it’s something to do. We lament this change in the United States, but we are not truly under threat from any authorities if we choose to attend a Christian worship service. I was impressed by the commitment held by those who joined us for our teaching. While I was completely safe, there was some risk involved for those who chose to come to the house churches.
I’m not suggesting that we should pray for persecution but it is worth recognizing the freedoms that we have when we choose to worship. There are brothers and sisters around the world who don’t have the privileges that we often take for granted.
- Brent C. Sleasman, President