Two Worlds Juxtaposed, Part 2

Parts of the Book of Genesis seem to be a dull read, most noticeably the lists of genealogies. To the Western mind consumed with the plot, action, and story, these seem like interruptions. To the Oriental mind that is much more concerned with identity, family, and heritage, these are anything but interruptions—they are quite essential to the story. For example, while I was in Central Asia a friend reported that the topic of family heritage came up at a conference. A Western man was asked to stand up and list his ancestors as far back as he could. He was able to list his great-grandparents, but could remember no further back. A national, when asked to do the same thing, however, was able to list off the previous 10-15 generations from memory, spontaneously. Later, a village “elder” I met told me he was still peeved at the British for their part in the death of his ancestor some hundred or more years earlier. The events of the past are firmly entrenched in their minds, and their lineage is very important to who they are today.