What is cultural appropriation?

Definition and Overview

Cultural appropriation generally refers to the adoption or use of elements from another culture—such as symbols, customs, artifacts, or practices—by individuals or groups who often lack a genuine understanding of the culture in question. This can involve clothing, religious symbols, art, music, and more. The term often arises when cultural expressions from marginalized or historically oppressed societies are used by more dominant groups in a way that trivializes, romanticizes, or exploits the original meaning.

While cultures have always influenced each other through legitimate exchange, cultural appropriation is seen as crossing a line into disrespect or misrepresentation. A central concern is that those borrowing from another culture may not appreciate the deep roots and histories behind those cultural expressions, sometimes even profiting from them without returning any acknowledgment or benefit to the source community.

Historical Context

From Ancient Near Eastern civilizations to the present day, different groups have integrated each other’s customs. In biblical times, trade routes such as the Via Maris and the King’s Highway saw people merge languages and customs. Scripture records how Egyptians, Canaanites, Israelites, Babylonians, Persians, and others encountered each other’s ideas (e.g., Genesis 12:10; Exodus 12:38).

In many ancient societies, influences were exchanged in balanced and respectful ways, yet there were also instances of exploitation or forced imposition. For instance, Daniel and his companions were compelled to adopt certain elements of Babylonian culture (Daniel 1:3–5). Their faithfulness in the face of imposed cultural practices suggests a tension between respectful cultural exchange and forced assimilation.

Biblical Considerations

1. Treatment of Foreigners

Scripture emphasizes the fair treatment of those from other backgrounds. Leviticus 19:33–34 says, “When a foreigner resides with you in your land, you must not oppress him. You shall treat the foreigner living among you as native-born and love him as yourself.” The spirit of this command involves empathy, justice, and respect, setting a precedent for interactions that honor rather than exploit or demean another’s cultural heritage.

2. Unity in Diversity

The biblical teaching of unity among believers does not erase the unique cultures in the body of faith. Galatians 3:28 states, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Instead of wiping out cultural distinctions, this verse affirms that God’s acceptance reaches across cultural lines, empowering believers to honor each other’s God-given diversity.

3. Love as the Guiding Principle

Love is the ethical anchor for interactions across cultural boundaries. John 13:34 records the command, “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another.” Indeed, if believers practice genuine love, appropriation that dishonors or misrepresents another culture becomes contrary to the way of life taught in Scripture.

Respect vs. Appropriation

Not every adoption of foreign cultural elements is deemed cultural appropriation. There is an important difference between respectful cultural engagement—where one acknowledges origins, meaning, and the people who maintain those traditions—and exploitative appropriation. Key indicators of a respectful exchange include:

• Sincere appreciation and credit to the source culture.

• Willingness to listen and learn from the original community.

• Sensitivity to how symbols or items are used, especially if they have deep sacred significance.

Conversely, appropriation is often marked by trivializing significant cultural elements for mere fashion, novelty, or profit. This can create a power imbalance where the borrowing group benefits while ignoring the historical plight or contemporary struggles behind those cultural expressions.

Potential Consequences

1. Misrepresentation

Elements of another culture can be reduced to caricatures, causing outsiders to form inaccurate views. These distortions can reinforce stereotypes.

2. Emotional Harm

Those who see their culture’s sacred or significant symbols misused can experience a sense of violation. Respect for the dignity and history of others aligns with the biblical call to treat one another with honor (Romans 12:10).

3. Division and Hostility

Cultural appropriation can exacerbate tensions between cultural groups, leading to feelings of distrust or hostility.

Guidance for Believers

1. Practice Genuine Love

A spirit of love compels believers to honor the dignity of all people. Approaching cross-cultural interactions with humility and care upholds the biblical command to love one’s neighbor (Matthew 22:37–39).

2. Cultivate Humility and Curiosity

Philippians 2:3 enjoins, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.” This principle encourages believers to seek permission, gain understanding, and show regard for the various cultural expressions of others.

3. Foster Mutual Benefit

Whenever exploring or adopting aspects of another culture, thoughtful believers can support and uplift that culture’s people by offering fair compensation, acknowledgments, and advocacy for their rightful representation. Practically, this could mean buying handcrafted items directly from artisans or investing in organizations that preserve cultural heritage.

4. Embrace Cultural Exchange in Light of Kingdom Values

Scripture attests that every tongue, tribe, and nation will stand before God (Revelation 7:9), highlighting the rich tapestry of human diversity. Rather than stifling cultural expression, respectful exchange can celebrate the uniqueness of each cultural viewpoint, uniting them in worship.

Conclusion

Cultural appropriation is not a new issue but a contemporary expression of how certain groups can misuse or commodify the cultural expressions of others. In any society, followers of biblical teaching are called to respect, honor, and love all people, ensuring cultural engagement is approached with reverence and understanding.

Wherever possible, believers should embrace cultural learning that shines a collective light on the diversity of the human family, mindful of the biblical ethic: “Do not judge one another.” (Romans 14:13). Instead, may all interactions be guided by love—genuine, humble, and rooted in a recognition that every culture bears unique value as part of the world crafted by its Creator.