Researchers have endeavored to develop a theoretical framework that helps to appraise one’s spiritual maturity (Allport, 1950; Hall, 1996; Kirkpatrick, 1995). However, because they were developed in an individualistic culture, their application to Christians in a collectivistic culture appeared to have limitations. These restrictions seem to have originated from the different concepts, ideas, and behaviors associated with spiritual maturity (Kang, 2004). In fact, because of the fundamental cultural differences, the ideas and beliefs about spiritual maturity within the two cultures differ greatly. They share the same fundamental focus of spiritual maturity: loving God and others. However, the behaviors related to spiritual maturity are manifested differently when the biblical concept of maturity is filtered through different cultural values. Furthermore, traditional notions of individualistic and collectivistic cultures are ineffective when studying Korean immigrant Christians in America because they are influenced by both cultures. This study desires to bring attention to the importance of cultural sensitivity in understanding a Korean American immigrant Christian’s spiritual maturity by reviewing literature related to the topic. Implications for working with this population in both clinical and church settings are discussed.
Researchers have endeavored to develop a theoretical framework that helps to appraise one’s spiritual maturity (Allport, 1950; Hall, 1996; Kirkpatrick, 1995). However, because they were developed in an individualistic culture, their application to Christians in a collectivistic culture appeared to have limitations. These restrictions seem to have originated from the different concepts, ideas, and behaviors associated with spiritual maturity (Kang, 2004). In fact, because of the fundamental cultural differences, the ideas and beliefs about spiritual maturity within the two cultures differ greatly. They share the same fundamental focus of spiritual maturity: loving God and others. However, the behaviors related to spiritual maturity are manifested differently when the biblical concept of maturity is filtered through different cultural values. Furthermore, traditional notions of individualistic and collectivistic cultures are ineffective when studying Korean immigrant Christians in America because they are influenced by both cultures. This study desires to bring attention to the importance of cultural sensitivity in understanding a Korean American immigrant Christian’s spiritual maturity by reviewing literature related to the topic. Implications for working with this population in both clinical and church settings are discussed.
Introduction Christian Spiritual Maturity Christian Spiritual Maturity and Culture Individualistic Versus Collectivistic Cultures and Spiritual Maturity Intrinsic Versus Extrinsic Spirituality and Korean Culture Korean American Christians as Bi–cultural Christians Implications for Counseling and Research References
