Thoughts on Cross Cultural Competence

Yesterday I received an email from another Baha'i writer. That Baha'i used the term "cultural competence." When I read that term, I go thinking about the cultural competence of Abdu'l-Baha.

Before coming to the United States, Abdu'l-Baha had developed an acute cultural awareness and a sound cultural knowledge. With those capabilities as a foundation, Abdu'l-Baha had managed to form a noteworthy cultural sensitivity. During his visit to Europe and the United States, Abdu'l-Baha displayed the degree to which he had progressed beyond cultural sensitivity.

During his visit to the United States, Abdu'l-Baha took in huge amounts of information. He allowed that information to transform his cultural sensitivity. He directed his efforts towards transforming his cultural sensitivity into a sort of "cultural synergy," a quality of the spirit, one that can be found in all those who have developed cultural competence.

Abdu'l-Baha made use of his cultural competence, allowing it to become an energizing force in his life.