Germany is both a nation and a collection of city-states. Seated in the center of Europe, Germany was not united until 1871. English speaking countries usually confine German history to World War I and World War II with special emphasis on the Nazi Regime. However, German speakers had lived in Romania, Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic in a patchwork of settlements for many centuries. Thus, German culture and thought have had a profound impact on all of Europe, especially in academia, theology and the arts.
Sources say that the German passport is the number one sought after passport in the world. Many Germans are putting these passports to good use; one can find ethnic Germans in most countries in Europe, the Americas, some in Africa and more recently, in the Middle East.
Once an impoverished land of nomadic fishermen and pearl traders, the tiny country of Qatar has developed within the last several decades into the richest country on earth attracting expatriates and foreign nationals from many other countries, including Germany, particularly for business experience and career opportunities.
Qatar is a unique country in many ways. Around 80% of the population consists of expatriates in a variety of different working spheres and nearly the entirety of the population resides in the capital city of Doha, a seacoast mega-center bordered by vast desert. Qatar is a somewhat westernized country and works tirelessly to cultivate a vision of the country as a welcoming cultural oasis of wealth and comfort that merges their deeply held traditions and heritage with modern advancements and ideologies.
As a whole, the German people value community and friendship, ethical values such as honesty, conciseness, and hard work, politics and cultural pursuits, and of course, family. They carry those values with them as expatriates within Qatar, a culture with notably similar values.
Sports are hugely popular in German culture, especially football (AKA, soccer). Staying active athletically as well as academically is also a key part of the German education system.
Germany and Qatar have maintained diplomatic relations for decades since Qatar’s independence and have participated in a fair amount of cultural and educational exchanges, such as the German International School in Doha. The standard of living and quality of life are both high for the Western expat living in Qatar.
Another thing German nationals prize dearly is traveling. Statistics report that Germans lead the world in the amount of money and time spent on traveling.
Once known as the "birthplace of the Protestant Reformation," studies now show that fewer than one in three Germans identify as Protestant and roughly thirty percent are reportedly religiously unaffiliated.
Although most Germans identify as Christian in name, sadly, within the last several years, German churches have reported members leaving in record numbers, and most members still attending church are very old. A prevailing sentiment views organized Christianity as outdated and disingenuous. Among those that do continue to profess Christianity, barely half hold to foundational doctrinal beliefs such as Jesus’ resurrection and life after death. Many satisfy their spiritual needs with a patchwork of New Age spiritual pursuits.
Religion has fallen behind other pursuits such as career and leisure in German culture. A large contributing factor is a lack of trust in established religious organizations. However, while many people have left organized religious establishments, a growing trend shows that believers are seeking to pursue God on an individualistic basis instead of relying on a religious institute. In addition, Pentecostal or "Free Church" growth has shown marked expansion in the last several years as well.
Reaching a German speaker's heart is best done through action rather than by debate. They carefully watch the life of a believer and see how they respond to adversity, hardship, self-discipline and self-sacrifice. A truly faithful believer who lives out the Jesus way will earn respect and favor even if the observer doesn't put all their trust in Christ.
Pray for Germans to return to their historically deep Christ-centered theology.
Pray against idolatry and pride and a softening of hearts.
Pray against the lie that science is at odds with faith.
Pray for healing for those emotionally damaged by the church.
Pray for spiritual revival in German youth.
Pray for Holy Spirit send Germans to act as Christ’s hands and feet in Qatar.
Scripture Prayers for the German in Qatar.
https://www.expatarrivals.com/article/interview-with-oliver-moritz-a-german-whos-built-a-life-in-qatar
https://www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk/international/qatar/doha/expat-guide
https://www.ifimes.org/en/researches/germany-and-the-qatar-crisis/4187
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
