Africans of the Diaspora are not Western Thinkers

Hebraic vs Western Thinking – A Comparison

by Brian Knowles

Pattern below is Western Approach vs Hebraic Approach

No Doubt

1. Life analyzed in precise categories vs Everything blurs into everything else.

2. A split between natural & supernatural vs Supernatural affects everything.

3. Linear logic vs Contextual or "block" logic

4. "Rugged Individualism" vs Importance of being part of group

5. Equality of persons vs Value comes from place in hierarchies

6. Freedom orientation vs Security orientation

7. Competition is good vs Competition is evil (cooperation better)

8. Man-centered universe vs God/tribe/family-centered universe

9. Worth of person based on money/material possessions/power vs Worth derived from family relationships

10. Biological life sacred vs Social life supremely important

11. Chance + cause & effect limit what can happen vs God causes everything in his universe

12. Man rules nature through understanding and applying laws of science vs God rules everything, so relationship with God determines how things turn out.

13. Power over others achieved through business, politics and human organizations vs Power over others is structured by social patterns ordained by God.

14. All that exists is the material vs The universe is filled with powerful spirit beings

15. Linear time divided into neat segments. Each event is new vs Cyclical or spiraling time. Similar events constantly reoccur

16. History is recording facts objectively and chronologically vs History is an attempt to preserve significant truths in meaningful or memorable ways whether or not details are objective facts

17. Oriented to the near future vs Oriented to lessons of history

18. Change is good = progress vs Change is bad = destruction of traditions

19. Universe evolved by chance vs Universe created by God

20. Universe dominated and controlled by science and technology vs God gave man stewardship over his earthly creation. Accountability to God.

21. Material goods = measure of personal achievement vs Material goods = measure of God’s blessing

22. Blind faith vs Knowledge-based faith

23. Time as points on straight line ("at this point in time…" vs Time determined by content ("In the day that the Lord did…")