中西方文化差异|中西文化比較|Chinese vs American values
*中文版在页面底部 （简体）
When Chinese families immigrate to Canada, culture shock doesn’t just happen at work or in school — it shows up at home and in the church. Cultural values shape how we see authority, relationships, conflict, and even how we raise our children. Understanding these differences is key to avoiding unnecessary conflict and growing stronger together.
Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions: Why It Matters for Immigrants
Dutch researcher Geert Hofstede studied cultures worldwide and identified six categories of difference. Two of the most relevant for Chinese immigrants in Canada are:
Power Distance (how people view authority and hierarchy)
Individualism vs. Collectivism (whether we think more as “I” or “we”)
These differences are not moral issues in themselves, but if we don’t understand them, they can create frustration and misunderstanding in both families and churches.
Respecting Authority: The “Power Distance” Gap
In Chinese culture, respect for hierarchy is strong — parents over children, elders over youth, leaders over members. This can preserve order, but it sometimes leads to unhealthy control, where younger people feel they cannot question or speak up.
By contrast, Western culture leans toward equality. Canadians often expect leaders to listen and share power. Too much of this can also become extreme, leading to rejection of all authority.
✝️The Bible’s Balance: Leaders are called to serve with humility and love (like Jesus washing His disciples’ feet). Children are commanded to honor parents, but parents must not provoke their children. Authority is about role and function, not about value or status.
For immigrant families, this means:
Parents can listen to their children without “losing face.”
Children can respect parents without feeling silenced.
Churches should model servant leadership while still valuing order and respect.
The “I” vs. “We” Difference: Individualism and Collectivism
Canada ranks high in individualism and indulgence. People value freedom, personal choice, and direct communication. For example, in a Canadian press conference, it’s normal for a reporter to ask blunt, even critical, questions to a government official.
Hong Kong (and Chinese culture generally) is more collectivist. Group harmony, indirect communication, and respect for authority are highly valued. This explains why Chinese churches often move slowly in making changes — leadership prefers stability and avoiding open conflict.
✝️ The Bible’s Balance:
Every individual is precious because they are made in God’s image.
But God also saves a people — the church is a body, a household, a family.
Radical individualism (selfishness) ignores the command to love our neighbor.
Blind collectivism (groupthink) can ignore the needs of the one who is hurting.
For immigrant families and churches, this means:
Parents and leaders (Chinese Ministry/1st generation): Don’t fear letting younger voices influence decisions. Listening is not rebellion; it builds trust.
Children and younger believers (English Ministry/2nd generation): Speak respectfully and patiently. Value the group, not just your own needs.
Moving Forward: Culture Through a Biblical Lens
Cultural differences don’t have to divide us. They can actually enrich our families and churches if we let Scripture be our anchor. As theologian Samuel Ling reminds us, problems come when we confuse the absolute gospel with relative culture.
Use the best of Chinese culture: respect, family loyalty, community care.
Use the best of Western culture: honesty, freedom of expression, equality.
Let God’s Word filter both, so that Christ—not culture—is at the center.
When we do this, our homes and churches can become places of healing, where East meets West under the lordship of Jesus Christ.
很多华人家庭移民到加拿大后，发现文化冲突不只出现在学校或工作场所，也出现在家里，甚至在教会里。文化价值观会影响我们怎么看待权威、关系、冲突，以及如何教育孩子。理解这些差异，能帮助我们避免不必要的矛盾，也能让家庭和教会更健康。
霍夫斯泰德文化维度：为什么移民要了解
荷兰学者霍夫斯泰德（Geert Hofstede）研究了全球文化差异，提出了六个维度。其中对华人移民最关键的有两个：
权力距离（人们怎么看待权威和上下级关系）
个人主义 vs. 集体主义（是更强调“我”还是“我们”）
这些差异本身没有对错，但如果彼此不了解，很容易在家庭和教会里带来摩擦。
尊重权威：中西文化的“权力距离”差异
在中国文化里，对长辈和领导的尊重非常重要——父母管孩子，年长的管年轻的，领导管属下。这能保持秩序，但有时候也变成压制，让年轻人觉得不能讲话。
相反，在加拿大更强调平等，大家期待领导要多听意见、分享权力。但如果走极端，就会导致完全否定权威。
✝️ 圣经的平衡点： 领导要谦卑、充满爱心，像耶稣一样服事别人。孩子要孝敬父母，但父母也不要惹孩子生气。权威是职分上的不同，而不是价值上的高低。
对移民家庭的提醒是：
父母可以听孩子意见，不代表“丢面子”。
孩子尊重父母，不等于失去表达的机会。
教会要学习仆人式领导，同时保持秩序和尊重。
“我”还是“我们”：个人主义与集体主义
加拿大的 个人主义 和 纵容度 都比较高。人们重视自由、个人选择，也习惯直接表达意见。比如，加拿大记者在发布会上直接质问官员，是很正常的。
而中国文化更强调集体和谐。很多决定都要考虑大局，尽量避免正面冲突。这也是为什么一些传统华人教会改动很慢，因为领导层多是第一代移民，他们看重稳定。
✝️ 圣经的平衡点：
每一个人都宝贵，因为都是照着上帝形象造的。
但上帝拯救的不只是个人，而是一个群体——教会是一个身体、一个家。
过度个人主义（自私）违背了“爱邻舍”的命令。
盲目集体主义（群体盲从）也可能忽视个体的需要。
对移民家庭和教会的提醒是：
第一代父母或教会领导（Chinese Ministry）： 不要害怕听年轻人的声音，这不是叛逆，而是建立信任。
第二代孩子或年轻信徒（English Ministry）： 要有耐心、有礼貌地表达，不要只顾自己，也要顾全大局。
向前走：让圣经成为文化的准绳
文化差异不一定要分裂我们。只要以圣经为根基，反而能成为家庭和教会的财富。正如神学家凌以撒提醒的：问题常出在我们把绝对的福音和相对的文化混为一谈。
中国文化的优点：尊重、重视家庭、看重群体。
西方文化的优点：诚实、表达自由、平等观念。
圣经能过滤两者，把基督放在中心。
这样，我们的家庭和教会就能成为医治之地，在基督里让东西方文化都得到更新。