The Shaping of Identity in Eastern and Western Cultures

January 2, 2024 By Brad Vaughn

Cultural dynamics play an indispensable role in shaping the identity of individuals. Given the increasing globalization and intermingling of cultures, understanding these dynamics is crucial for those tasked with sharing the gospel across cultures. One striking dichotomy when discussing Eastern and Western cultures is the divide between individualism and collectivism. These terms provide a lens through which to understand how societies prioritize personal and collective values. Both viewpoints profoundly shape the identity of their inhabitants. Individualism in Western Culture In... Read more

A Hudson Taylor movie is in the works!

December 27, 2023 By Brad Vaughn

I recently learned that a screenplay has already been written for a new movie on Hudson Taylor! So, I invited the group making the movie to tell you more about it. THE HUDSON TAYLOR MOVIE PROJECT In 2012 in the midst of preparations to celebrate its 150th founding anniversary, OMF received a curious suggestion from a Christian television network: “When would OMF make a film on the life of Hudson Taylor? Why doesn’t OMF produce one?” That suggestion led to... Read more

Four Ways We All Seek Status

December 12, 2023 By Brad Vaughn

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Here are 4 ways people pursue status. While each represents a way up or down the social ladder; they’re not all equal in value or function. Read more

The History of NFL After-Game Prayer Circles

December 4, 2023 By Brad Vaughn

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It’s nearing NFL playoff time and it’s the Christmas season. So, here’s a topic that brings football and Christianity into conversation. Some people see the NFL’s post-game prayer circles as a simple act of faith. In fact, it has deep historical roots with significant cultural and political implications. What kicked off the tradition? This tradition can be traced back to a 1990 game between the New York Giants and the San Francisco 49ers. The inaugural prayer circle was the brainchild... Read more

What about Status in the Church?

November 28, 2023 By Brad Vaughn

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This post explores how status affects the church and why discerning these dynamics has profound theological and practical implications. Read more

Americans, not Asians, have Positive Illusions

November 20, 2023 By Brad Vaughn

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People in the U.S. Think They Are Better Than They Actually Are. People in Asia Don’t. That’s the title of a fascinating piece by University of Michigan psychologist Shinobu Kitayama. His compelling article reveals an intriguing psychological divergence between Western and East Asian individuals regarding self-perception. Positive Illusions Aren’t Universal The research challenges a long-held belief in psychology that “positive illusions”—the tendency to overestimate one’s abilities—are a universal human trait. Instead, Kitayama argues that this cognitive bias is largely confined... Read more

Status Is a Fundamental Desire with Practical Benefits

November 14, 2023 By Brad Vaughn

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Status is the hierarchy resulting from how we value (appraise) differences. A fundamental desire, status has personal and social benefits. Read more

Coming to ETS 2023 in San Antonio? Check out these sessions

November 7, 2023 By Brad Vaughn

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It’s that time of year again– the 2023 Annual Conference of the Evangelical Theological Society (ETS)! (This year, I’m skipping SBL) I want to let you know about a couple of papers I’m giving at ETS as well as two sessions that might interest you. I’m presenting in each of these sessions, so I’ll attach my abstract at the bottom so you can know what I’ll be talking about. Sessions of Interest Wednesday, November 15th 8:30 AM – 11:40 AM... Read more

What’s All the Fuss About Status?

October 31, 2023 By Brad Vaughn

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Everyone cares about status. To say otherwise means you’re delusional or simply don’t understand status. Unfortunately for many Christians, talking about status is taboo. Read more