GICE220-D10_Discussion Thread: The Layers of Culture
Discussion Thread: The Layers of Culture
I would suggest that it would possibly be difficult not to respond or react to culture as identified in our textbook and the cultural videos. Dr. Melody Harper wonderfully presents the framework in The Layers of Culture video whereby observing how we naturally analyze the things unknown or “foreign” to our own understanding such as cultural diversity. Roughly half way through the video she refers to the “iceberg analogy” as many times we tend to base our rationale from what is only seen on the surface of different cultures rather than having deeper understanding and respect for the differences we see when compared to our own cultural intelligence (Harper 4:17).
The “iceberg analogy-like” behavior can be observed not only through the inclusion of cultural diversity, but practically in almost everything we self-analyze on a daily basis as we interact with the world around us. This is why it is beneficial to train and conduct oneself to be “Christ-like” that we may have a deeper understanding with balanced thinking and approach the events in our lives accordingly. I truly believe this is why the understanding of being designed in the “image of God,” as stated in Genesis 1:26, can reflect the best way to conduct ourselves with sufficient cultural intelligence (The Scofield Study Bible).
As the Scripture states:
“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth” (Gen. 1.26).
This verse I use particularly as it can be observed and interpreted to give further meaning such as God gave “man” dominion over the earth and not one “exclusive” cultural body of government. In addition, by leading one’s life through the love of Jesus, according to the Scofield Study Bible, believers are commanded to “love as Christ loved” (John 13.34). This would reveal itself as the best way we can develop a sound mind and humble heart as I would believe there is no better way to communicate in our attempts with cultural engagements.
By the words of Jesus He stated:
“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another” (John 13.34).
Thus, it will give us the opportunity to respectfully and earnestly communicate with each other despite our cultural differences.
By experiencing the culture first-hand and researching the people of the Philippines and their cultural way of life, many of the people would appear to have a kindred spirit in their exchange with non-native people. Also, observably, the connection between America and the Philippines has grown to have a very personal and qualitative relationship between both cultures. This I would forthrightly suggest comes from their background in Christianity and being accustomed to the wonderful love of Jesus. Not every encounter may display itself as such. This is why I believe that cultural diversity goes just a bit deeper especially when we simply know the name of Jesus. The remarkable phenomenon of just merely hearing His name already sets the stage for a hopeful connection between cultural diversity.
Works Cited
Harper, Dr. Melody. The Layers of Culture. Liberty University. 2025. Liberty University
module_item_id=107742337. Accessed 15 July 2026.
The Scofield Study Bible: King James Version. Edited by C.I. Scofield, Oxford University
Press, 2003.
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