by Eliana:
Why I care about conference talks in non-English:
- Less ethnocentric. I don't want to debate blue suits/white shirts, but this is a small step in recognizing that English and North American culture is not inherently more righteous.
- Romance languages. Dreamy. Everything sounds better.
- Young Folk. We need to have people who look like us to look up to. This is a problem in the larger church (non-local level leaders) that has many valid causes. Hearing someone who speaks your language in a leadership position is powerful in seeing yourself there someday.
- Respect. How would you feel having to stand in front of the largest audience of your life and not be able to speak in the way you are most comfortable.
What else am I missing? What are your thoughts on the subject?
Eliana Osborn was raised on cold weather and wild animals in Anchorage, Alaska, setting the stage for her adult life in the Sunniest Place on Earth in Arizona. She grew up in the church and didn't know there were places where conformity was preached. She has degrees. She writes. She teaches. She has some kids. She even has a husband. She's trying to do her best.Image credit: GeoLocation.
