East Bay Express: "Young, Asian American, and Christian" by Kathleen Richards
Before delving into my comments about the article, I want to address the author of this article and the newspaper in which it was printed. The author is not Asian, nor Asian American, and the newspaper is probably not as reputable as something like the SF Chronicle, or San Jose Mercury. The reporter based on the tone of the article is also probably not Christian.
The positives of this article is that people observe how many Asian Americans are finding a relationship with Christ. Richards reports the statistics of Asian American in the population, and then in the college population. She dips into our backgrounds and compares generalizes a bit that Asian Americans who have grown up in suburbia realize that there is more to life through Christianity. As information presented regarding Asian American college students, it does pretty well in somewhat describing who we are and where we come from. What it may ignore are the Asians that grow up in metropolises like San Francisco and Oakland (since the article focuses heavily on the experience at Berkeley). The background is somewhat different from Asian Americans from the suburbs, however the idea of self-sacrifice is probably more prevalent.
Richards describe instances on how our understanding and our faith affects decisions in our lives. The examples she describes are familiar because I myself have gone through it or I know someone in a similar situation, hence the familiarity in the Asian American experience. It does give a sense of authenticity and familiarity when reading because it describes many stories and ideas I heard when I was in Asian American Fellowship at U.C. Davis.
However, what I do not like, and what I feel the article does a poor job in is understanding or even writing it in a way where a reader can get a handle on how our faith in God has changed us. I can't sufficiently express how God has played a role in my life in one sentence, or to even have someone quote it. Her report on the "large group" experience is unclear as to whether is it good or bad because her tone and descriptions conflict. The outcome of the paragraph is that the fellowship experience is "same old, same old." Sure, she notes that someone cried, but then she ends it with the thought that they went out for ice cream.
The article also seems to emphasizes heavily on how church leaders repeat that GPA is not important, maybe it is just Berkeley, but I know I heard that often when I was at Davis as well. I'm not sure why Richards reiterates that point so often, is it because the article is about Asian Americans, and the stereotype behind our ethnic groups are that we are hardworking and smart? After reading this my friend, said "[she] makes it seem like Christianity is a band aid for the pressures of the Asian American experience." Is Richards, trying to incite that Christianity is an outlet for Asian Americans to relieve the pressures felt to succeed by the older generation?
The though titled "Young, Asian American, and Christian" has a section titled Faith and Science, which does not relate to the Asian American experience at all. Overall, I don't think this article finds it's voice and conveys it's intentions. It does a good job in presenting different aspects of faith amongst Asian Americans on the U.C. Berkeley campus. Her diction causes her to choose the word "recruit," which can be misinterpreted. As a Christian, I do not see myself recruiting others into a fellowship. What I see myself doing is sharing my experience of a relationship with Jesus Christ. Obviously, I can't speak for all Christians.
Given the pros and cons of this article. Here is what readers should take away:
1. It is great that people are trying to understand faith amongst Asian Americans and why many Asian Americans are choosing to follow Jesus Christ during college, whether it be cultural influences, ethnic differences, etc. Exploring connections between Christianity and Asian American ethnic background can further up individuals understand the cornerstones of their faith and why they believe. Do they believe because of lifestyle and tradition, or do they believe because we comprehend the sacrifice and gift that Jesus Christ gave us through His death?
2. Someone cannot fully comprehend the greatness of God secondhand. Seeing God's glory is a personal experience, and unique to your life. When you truly give up control of everything, God will show you who He is.
3. Despite the career choices, and the different attitudes about GPA, people are not complaining but find it easier and more enjoyable the life they are living after understanding Christ compared to before. Physical life is too short to stress over achieving success in this world because it is only temporary. God gave us the talent to succeed, but does that desire to succeed take priority over God? and how can we use the talents He gave us for His will?
4. If non-Christians view us like Richards does, what does it say about your actions, your relationship with God? Do people see the change that God has brought into your life? Do the lyrics, "they will know we are Christians by our love," resonate through your actions?
5. God is universal, unchanging, and unconditional love. He is not defined by ethnic identity or culture. He is the same and we believers are different. We may come to Him through different means, and worship Him in different ways, but He receives it all the same.
*Note that the mention of Glide Memorial Church in San Francisco. I don't consider that to be a Christian church because of it's teachings of different beliefs. It is a great community, and a need in the Tenderloin district to care for the homeless, but in terms of spiritual foundations it is not a Christian church.
On a lighter note:
comic is from Secret Asian Man
