On the Bookshelf

A few months ago, we borrowed a book called “African Friends and Money Matters.”  We only had time to peruse it briefly, but while in the states, we acquired our own copy.  This is a very interesting book, written by David Maranz.  While the author has not written from a religious perspective, this book is very helpful to missionaries in Africa.  If a missionary does not understand the very different mindset that most Africans have towards money and its place in society, he will not be equipped to deal with the many money-related issues that are sure to come up.

Here is a sample:  “Precision is to be avoided in accounting as it shows the lack of a generous spirit.” Mr. Maranz goes on to explain “Precision and rigor in keeping accounts show a lack of generosity.  It is nontrusting.  It is not what a friend does….Another part of the explanation for this avoidance of accountability comes from the fact that in most African cultures it can easily lead to suspicion, mistrust, and confrontation.  Such unpleasantness is to be avoided if at all possible.”

Another example: “Many products are purchased in very small amounts even though the unit cost is much higher than for purchases in larger quantities. An African would say ‘If I have extra I am obligated to share.  Sure I know that buying a whole sack of charcoal is cheaper than buying it by the little pile.  But if I buy it by the little pile and my in-law or neighbor or friend comes asking for some, I can honestly say I don’t have any to give to them…”

One can see how this thinking would affect finances in the church, and understanding the present mindset is crucial if we want to help the church mature.

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3 comments on “On the Bookshelf”

  1. deboraw

    Joy, I can understand the problem, what is the solution? Two of the biggest ‘problem’ areas for missionaries (I wouldn’t say ‘just’ for missionaries) are finances and children…Our American culture does not necessarily have the only right view, but is there a ‘middle’ ground so to speak? Another area that I find difficult to deal with is the concept of ‘time’ that many of these other cultures has. You can set a time for beginning of the services and they just kind of wander in at their own (convenient–for them–) time. Hmm. Do you have that in Africa also? Donevy

  2. Joy

    The problem is, it’s not just “a” problem, but it’s trying to understand the whole working organism of cultures different than our own. As always, all of us, no matter what culture we live in, must compare our practices to the Scriptures. If there is no violation with the practice of the custom, then there is nothing wrong with it. If it does violate Scripture, then the custom must be taught against. .. Time issues are always a challenge in Africa. 🙂

  3. deboraw

    Joy, A friend of mine once complained of a neighbor of hers that constantly ‘borrowed’ things (farming things, such as tools, etc.) from her husband. She was irked that no matter what it was, her husband always invoked the ‘if he asketh, lend’ and there seemed no end of his asketh. But in our own culture at times we do lack compassion and understanding. As quite often happens we must balance –being good stewards, being compassionate, and being scriptural. Understanding the culture will make it much easier to come to a scriptural understanding though. –1) there may be more than one way to look at their customs, for them and you, ie. could an accurate accounting help one to be MORE generous, and possibly to MORE people, as well as taking care of our own families? And also to remember, just because ‘we’ do things ‘this’ way, doesn’t make that way right–just makes it different. On the other hand it doesn’t make our way wrong either. It sounds like a good book though, and very helpful. Say, you missed it…today it is zero degrees F, with out the wind chill; wind is about 35mph today. Just a wee bit on the chilly side. Smile. I like your smiley face. You are in our prayers. Donevy

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