08.03.07 The 1st Key for Evaluating Cultural and Family Influences in a Prospective Partner

1. Is the Person Aware of how Cultural and Family Influences Shape his or her Decisions?

Observe whether the prospective partner recognises how his or her cultural and family traditions have shaped the person’s beliefs, values and decisions. Does the individual demonstrate clear awareness of these influences, or does she or he treat family patterns as unquestionable norms?

Ruth and Boaz must have noticed each other’s awareness of their cultural and family contexts. Ruth, as a Moabite, understood her foreign status in Bethlehem and recognised the need to adapt to new customs, showing respect for Israelite traditions and laws (Ruth 2:2–3). Boaz, firmly rooted in Bethlehem, was aware of his heritage and the importance of family lineage and covenant obligations within his culture (Ruth 3:9–13).

In contrast, Robert showed little awareness of how strongly his family influenced his decisions. He dismissed Caroline’s concerns about his choices by saying, “It's just culture. You people who overstayed in the West... You don’t understand Africa,” reducing the issue to culture while ignoring the extent of his family’s control and his own responsibility in the decisions that he was making.

Awareness of cultural and family influences is important when evaluating a prospective partner’s worldview and the decisions that the person makes. A partner who recognises these influences is able to identify what is shaping his or her thinking, rather than unconsciously operating under those influences.