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You are here: Home / Learn / About Viet Nam / Culture

Culture

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. . . the Issacharites, who understood the times and knew what Israel should do . . . .   1 Chronicles 12:32 (HCSB)

Understanding the people, geography and especially the culture of the Vietnamese people is a critical component as we seek to effectively share the love of Jesus Christ.  In the short space here, it is not possible to give a completely thorough description of Vietnamese culture – but here are a few key aspects of the culture that we feel are particularly important.  You are also encouraged to view other resources as highlighted on this site or do some searches and find more information elsewhere.

1) Not Mono-Cultural
There is no ‘one size fits all’ solution to reaching the peoples of Vietnam, but the message and need remains the same across all.  With significant populations of fifty-four distinct people groups physically residing within the country, some variations in culture, norms, customs and social interaction is assured.  There are also regional variations (north, south, central, coastal, delta) that can come into play as well as typical socio-economic differences.  One of the most prevalent influences on Vietnamese culture historically has been Chinese culture.

The website for the Vietnam Embassy in the U.S.A. addresses this mixed cultural aspect in this way:

It can be said that there were three layers of culture overlapping each other during the history of Vietnam: local culture, the culture that mixed with those of China and other countries in the region, and the culture that interacted with Western culture. The most prominent feature of the Vietnamese culture is that it was not assimilated by foreign cultures thanks to the strong local cultural foundations. On the contrary, it was able to utilize and localize those from abroad to enrich the national culture.

2) Confucian Culture
With the impact of Chinese culture comes hand in hand the impact of Confucianism on Vietnamese society.  Confucianism is a philosophy or set of behaviors and ethics that define the position of the individual in society.  The emphasis is on the ‘obligations’ of the individual toward others which is based upon the relationship between them.  On the positive side, Confucianism stresses duty, loyalty, honor, filial piety, respect for elders and seniority, integrity and sincerity.  From a negative aspect, Confucian culture can hinder love and compassion for others regardless of their station in life and promote only reciprocal relationships.  Exaggerated filial piety and an unwillingness to ‘step out of the norm’ can also provide a greater barrier for an individual to be their first in their family or network of relationships to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

vanmieuhanoi
The Van Mieu Confucian temple in Hanoi

3) Face, Family and Group
Similar to other Asian cultures, the concept of face – a mixture of reputation, prestige, responsibility and acting according to the norms appropriate to one’s place in society – is very important for understanding Vietnamese culture.  This type of responsibility also closely correlates with the focus on family and group in the culture.  Strong, close knit nuclear and extended families are common and making decisions based on the expectations of family and group is prevalent.

4) Effects of War, Tragedy, Struggle and Conflict
Many foreigners and likely all Americans will refer to it as “The Vietnam War”.  For the Vietnamese it is “The American War”.  Any visit to Vietnam today will bring many visual reminders of the war from the 60’s and 70’s.  Other less visual negative effects remain to be sure but by and large much of the population seems to have tried to put that major conflict behind them.  This is evidenced at least in part by the rapidly growing relationship between Vietnam and the U.S. – politically, economically and even militarily.  The American/Vietnamese War however is only one of many times of war, tragedy and conflict for this country.  In 1944-45, when the population of Vietnam was only around 20-25 million, close to 10% of the population – over 2 million people – died as a result of famine.  Foreign powers occupying Vietnam also include France, Japan and the Chinese who ruled over the country as one of their own provinces for 1,000 years.  More recently, the Chinese again attacked the country of Vietnam in 1979.  Internal conflict has also been common including civil war as well as the Vietnamese overthrow of the Cham peoples from the center part of the country, the Khmer peoples from the south and other military advances into Laos and Cambodia.  Even just the struggle for existence, especially within or along the mountainous central region, has left it’s mark on the collective culture of Vietnam.  Through all of these, a perseverance and pragmatism has emerged that is evident in the personality and attitude of most all Vietnamese.

4) Effects of Development and Modernization
The economic policy of “Doi Moi” or “Rennovation” was implemented by the government of Vietnam in 1986, ushering in a new era with a more open focus on a market economy.  Current day Vietnam continues on a rapid rise of economic growth as well as commercial and infrastructure development.  From the year 2000 to 2010, the basic economy tripled with Vietnam’s overall economy going from USD $27 billion to $79 billion and the GDP per person went from USD $351 to $902.  With this development and growth there is an accompanying shifting of values and much growth in excessive materialism.  A recent survey of Vietnamese between 15 and 64 found that 7 in 10 believe that success is defined by their job and do not view the ‘showing off’ of wealth as a negative.  Nearly 50% of respondents to the survey said that money was the most important thing in their life.

5) Culture of Youth
Over half of the current population of Vietnam is under the age of 35.  That is 45 million people who were born after reunification at the ending of the American-Vietnam War in 1975.  This young demographic has many implications.  Recent surveys shows this younger population to be characteristically optimistic which impacts the country as a whole.  This youthful demographic has not gone unnoticed by the commercial sector and drives much of the multinational corporate attention on Vietnam.  The youth of Vietnam are being heavily courted to develop brand loyalty (and the younger generation is in turn translating consumer awareness to their parents).  The younger demographic of Vietnam further brings a greater focus on health and fitness (physical, mental and relational); technology; education and entertainment.

 

 

 

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Our response to trials reveals the condition of ou Our response to trials reveals the condition of our faith; it can either draw us closer to God in trust or cause us to pull away in discouragement. 

Nothing happens without His knowledge. 

In Romans 5:4, Paul exhorts us to not only endure but rejoice in our sufferings, because "suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." We want and need that hope. 

Even more…

“and you became imitators of us and of the Lord when, in spite of severe persecution, you welcomed the message with joy from the Holy Spirit. As a result, you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.” 1 Thessalonians 1:6-8
Who is watching you and will they imitate your faith?

Pray for Vietnamese who are suffering because of their faith, for those who are persevering against the flow, for character to develop as a witness for Jesus, and for hope to overflow in their lives. #pray4vietnam
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#trials #faithful #HolySpirit #scripture #spiritualgrowth #salvation #grace #christian #church #churchplanting #vietnamese #LORD #God #Jesus #Bible #faith #goodnews #gospel #prayer #hope #missions #saved #believe #pray #vietnam
Later this week, Vietnamese will celebrate a day f Later this week, Vietnamese will celebrate a day for the ‘Brave Kings’ who helped rule over their country in days gone by. It’s a memorial day for those who have gone before them.

In the same way, as Believers we are to grow spiritually by taking notice of mature Believers and reproducing fruit in our lives as in theirs. Pray for Vietnamese to have faithful examples in their lives to imitate their faith. #pray4vietnam

"Remember your leaders who have spoken God's Word to you. As you carefully observe the outcome of their lives, imitate their faith." Hebrews 13:7
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#witness #faithful #HolySpirit #scripture #spiritualgrowth #salvation #grace #christian #church #churchplanting #vietnamese #LORD #God #Jesus #Bible #faith #goodnews #gospel #prayer #hope #missions #saved #believe #pray #vietnam
Pray for registration that is happening now for a Pray for registration that is happening now for a business workshop April 24-25, that participants whom God is calling to attend, register quickly. Ask that God go before this workshop and be glorified by the presentation and all those who would attend. Pray that God would build a community of entrepreneurs with the start of this event and others to follow. #immediateneed
Life is filled with challenges for even the younge Life is filled with challenges for even the youngest in Vietnam. When we are confronted with difficulties, the best advice is to go before God to the One that can help.

Jesus often withdrew to pray---how much more do we need to be in prayer.

We must know to humble ourselves before the throne of grace, confess our sins, and seek God. We learn dependence on Him, trust in Him, as we give all our concerns to God.

"Pray constantly." 1 Thessalonians 5:17

"Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out." MSG - Ephesians 6:18 

Pray for Vietnamese to be urged by the Holy Spirit to pray more and see God do the miraculous because He is God Almighty---the One who is in charge of miracles. #pray4vietnam
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#constantprayer #HolySpirit #scripture #spiritualgrowth #salvation #grace #christian #church #churchplanting #vietnamese #LORD #God #Jesus #Bible #faith #goodnews #gospel #prayer #hope #missions #saved #believe #pray #vietnam
When we are in school, we follow the instructions When we are in school, we follow the instructions given for a test or an assignment. When we are working, we follow directions that are required of us. The list goes on and there are consequences when we don't follow. 

Not according to our own agenda, but according to the Word of God, we are to live in obedience to Christ.

When there is no obedience, there is no spiritual growth.

Pray for Vietnamese to find obedience in God's Word as they read the Bible each day. Praise God that where once a printed Bible might be difficult to come by, Vietnamese can read His Word online. #pray4vietnam
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#obedience #scripture #spiritualgrowth #salvation #grace #christian #church #churchplanting #vietnamese #LORD #God #Jesus #Bible #faith #goodnews #gospel #prayer #hope #missions #saved #believe #pray #vietnam
Branches are gathered and piled into a fire to mak Branches are gathered and piled into a fire to make a space more useful. Jesus spoke of branches that were not abiding in Him in John 15:6-7.

We may wonder about our world and why there are pandemics and tribulation. Jesus tells us that there will be suffering in the world in John 16. We can look to Him and have confidence that He is aware of the evil that is in the world.

Yet God desires for us to enjoy our lives with His purpose in mind and not be trapped by evil. Knowing when to resist what the world tempts and entices is a key to spiritual growth. Anytime we feel we are weighed down and in despair, we can call out to God to protect and give us strength.

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” 1 John 2:15

Pray for Vietnamese to have God on their minds and not what they see and hear around them. Ask God to protect them and give them a deep love for Him and not the world. #pray4vietnam
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#resistevil #scripture #spiritualgrowth #salvation #grace #christian #church #churchplanting #vietnamese #LORD #God #Jesus #Bible #faith #goodnews #gospel #prayer #hope #missions #saved #believe #pray #vietnam
Down a small alley, food or drink vendors set up e Down a small alley, food or drink vendors set up each morning bringing in their fare and putting out chairs and stools. It’s a neighborhood gathering that is rich in the culture of Vietnam today.

Colossians 3:16 says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.”

Want to experience spiritual growth? There must be a steady and constant intake of the Word of God. Even more--catch this---the more we put it into practice into our lives is the extent we will grow spiritually.

Not pouring ourselves into the Word of God is not an ability issue or an aptitude issue; it's an obedience issue. We will never advance beyond our steady diet of God's Word.

Pray for good discipleship and commitment among new Vietnamese believers. Pray for small groups that are being started all this week in discipleship. Ask the Holy Spirit to impress on new believers the cost of following God and His desire for them to grow spiritually. #pray4vietnam
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#hungerandthirstafterrighteousness #culture #scripture #spiritualgrowth #salvation #grace #christian #church #churchplanting #vietnamese #LORD #God #Jesus #Bible #faith #goodnews #gospel #prayer #hope #missions #saved #believe #pray #vietnam
Salvation is one of the first steps to spiritual g Salvation is one of the first steps to spiritual growth.

"Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me, even if he dies, will live. Everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die ---ever. Do you believe this?" John 11:25-26

Easter is days away. We can have such great happiness and confidence that our Savior lives. Pray for Vietnamese who have yet to know Jesus and believe. Ask God to reveal Himself to many these days before Easter and Vietnamese trust in Him as Savior and Lord. #pray4vietnam
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#knowyouaresaved #easter #salvation #grace #christian #church #churchplanting #vietnamese #LORD #God #Jesus #Bible #faith #goodnews #gospel #prayer #hope #missions #saved #believe #pray #vietnam
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Our response to trials reveals the condition of our faith; it can either draw us closer to God in trust or cause us to pull away in discouragement. Pray for Vietnamese who are suffering because of their faith and for hope to overflow in their lives. #pray4vietnam 22 hours ago

test Twitter Media - Our response to trials reveals the condition of our faith; it can either draw us closer to God in trust or cause us to pull away in discouragement. Pray for Vietnamese who are suffering because of their faith and for hope to overflow in their lives. #pray4vietnam https://t.co/9O3fdgoqH2

Vn will celebrate a memorial day for the ‘Brave Kings’ in days gone by. Similarly, we grow spiritually by taking notice of mature Believers and reproducing fruit in our lives as in theirs. Pray for Vietnamese to have faithful examples in their lives. Hebrews 13:7 #pray4vietnam 3 days ago

test Twitter Media - Vn will celebrate a memorial day for the ‘Brave Kings’ in days gone by. Similarly, we grow spiritually by taking notice of mature Believers and reproducing fruit in our lives as in theirs. Pray for Vietnamese to have faithful examples in their lives. Hebrews 13:7 #pray4vietnam https://t.co/TPnUW9O8Nz

Pray for registration that is happening now for a business workshop April 24-25, that participants whom God is calling to attend, register quickly. Ask that God go before this workshop and be glorified and build a community of entrepreneurs. #immediateneed 3 days ago

test Twitter Media - Pray for registration that is happening now for a business workshop April 24-25, that participants whom God is calling to attend, register quickly. Ask that God go before this workshop and be glorified and build a community of entrepreneurs. #immediateneed https://t.co/qJVkUSRTqd

This week please pray for the Lolo and Western Cham peoples of Vietnam to be reached with God's salvation. bit.ly/3mWbjcw 4 days ago

"Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out." Eph 6:18 -Pray for Vietnamese to be urged to pray more and see God do the miraculous because He is God Almighty---the One who is in charge of miracles. #pray4vietnam 1 week ago

test Twitter Media - "Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out." Eph 6:18 -Pray for Vietnamese to be urged to pray more and see God do the miraculous because He is God Almighty---the One who is in charge of miracles. #pray4vietnam https://t.co/AafxSSyV8X
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