Cultural Security: Stagnation or Safety?

When reflecting on the concept of cultural security, it is important to be mindful of its multi-faceted existenceand its far-reaching impact on individuals across the world,and,ifpondered from a theological perspective, in thehereafter, too. Definitions of the term ‘culture’ are largely demographic in nature,premised on the idiosyncrasies of a nation. They commonly focus on heritage and both the conservation and celebration of diversity in architecture, art, clothes, cuisine, language, literature, music, religion, tradition, and much more. Culture is, therefore,the manifestation of a multi-layered reality, a tool through which individuals craft their identity and their paths through life. Thus, it is no surprise that the preservation of cultures is of paramount importance to anthropologists, sociologists and some theologians, and naturally, individuals whopossessan innate desire to seek comfort in the familiar. However, in recent years, the term cultural security has also taken on meanings other than those associated exclusively with nations and individuals.