Uncivilized

I wasn’t sure how my body was going to handle this trip.  Bouncing from one time zone to the next can take its toll.  So far though, with the help of a few strategic naps I’ve been ok.  Mike seems to be doing pretty well too.  We were talking a bit today (a day that started in Dushanbe, Tajikistan and ended in Istanbul, Turkey) about the term “civilized;” mostly about how it is a relative term.  In going from Dushanbe to Istanbul have we moved to a more civilized city, or is it simply more developed?

Forgive me for a bit, but I’m going to talk about toilets.  Many people in central Asia use what can be called a “squatty potty.”  It is basically a hole in the floor.  Whether a cement hole into a pit, or a porcelain hole that flushes, to my westernized mind this is uncivilized.  Take a minute though and think of it this way, to use a western style toilet you have to sit where other people have sat.  Now who’s the uncivilized one?

                                               What did you expect, a picture of a toilet?

Issues of clothing come to mind as well, specifically women’s head coverings.  Some western women view head coverings as a sign of gender oppression, an indicator of an uncivilized culture or regime.  At the same time some eastern women view the west’s lack of head coverings as a sign of impropriety and immorality.  Again who is uncivilized?

People can and will vehemently argue either side of these topics, which proves the point that on many issues that we think of as major points “civilized” is a relative term.  To gain some perspective though how can we use the absolute truth of the Gospel to define “civilized?”  I love having conversations with Mike because he’s good at focusing on Biblical truth for answers to most any question. 

Civilization reaches its high point when it is focused on love.  When a society can live in a loving way with a simple framework of rules it has progressed beyond what most of us have referred to as civilization all our lives.  

What can you do to make your civilization more civilized?

“Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud, or  rude. Love isn't selfish or quick tempered. It doesn't keep a record of wrongs that others do.  Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil.  Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting.  Love never fails!” – ICor13:4-8a