What are Cultural Values? - Definition & Examples

The concluding chapter of Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes by Richards and O’Brien gives various ways of dealing with different cultural values that obstruct people from interpreting the scripture correctly. Firstly, the authors explain the need to embrace the complexity of different cultures exhibited in the scripture while not assuming different aspects that do not appeal to our culture, which may skew our interpretation. Secondly, the authors explain that we should not overcorrect the application of doctrine and assume that some parts of the scripture do not directly apply to us. Thirdly, the authors encourage people to have teachable spirits and try not to argue with the scripture's teachings based on their worldview perspectives. Moreover, they encourage one not to fear being wrong in interpreting the scripture but instead learn from mistakes and avoid repeating them. Lastly, the authors encourage one to read the scripture with others to avoid misinterpretation.

I am intrigued by how most of us ignore certain parts of the Bible by presuming they carry no meaning. For instance, during Jesus's birth, I assumed that there were three wise men because Jesus had been given three gifts, and each I presumed was from every visitor. However, this is a western culture, which may not have been the Jewish culture's case. Moreover, since I believed in God, I believed that I would win all my battles; however, after reading this chapter, I have learned that God gives victory to our enemies to humble us. I am intrigued by this chapter's revelation regarding different angels, where I used to believe that all spiritual beings, excluding God, were angels. The chapter demystifies this by grouping them into cherubs, Seraphs, fallen angels, and evil spirits. Besides, I have also learned that it is good to forgive oneself for having a wrong interpretation of the scripture.

Reference 

Richards, E. R., & O'Brien, B. J. (2012). Misreading scripture with western eyes: Removing cultural blinders to better understand the Bible . Intervarsity Press.