Don't think it's cultural. I don't think it's very cultural, speaking as a Chinese person. There's CSA/TASC/KASA for that.
Social or Religious? I think it's a mix, but I will say that it's more religious than social.
I say it is social because many Christians entering college are looking for that community (like many Asian-Americans grow up in Asian YG communities). We provide that. We don't have any "AAIV bonding" events like some of the Asian cultural groups may have, but it's natural. People do it themselves from what they're used to at home, and quite simply, it's easier to share with people who have the same/similar beliefs as you and come from similar backgrounds.
I also say social because AAIV desires not only to be a home for Christians, but non-Christians alike. We want to be a HOME. Somewhere where people can go when they're lonely, when they're down, and find people to lift them up, to do life with, if they're Christian or not.
However, I say AAIV is more religious because any Asian on campus knows that AAIV is Christian. As much as we wish, non-Christians rarely go to small group to meet knew friends, or go on our retreats simply to get to know people more. No, our large groups, small groups, retreats, events have a clear purpose: worshiping and learning about God.
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Personal. AAIV differs from other fellowships in the social respect. I don't know if AAIV means to do this, but I think it's just a natural result because of how people view their YG's back at home.
The people consider themselves to be part of AAIV tend to make AAIV their main social group on campus. Meaning this is who we eat with normally, hangout with normally...do life with. It's not just a weekly small group, a weekly large group, and an annual retreat for most people. For me? I meet up with meals for meals with people. I text people. I instant message these people. I talk to them about what's going on in my life and silly things just as much as I talk to them about God.
So I can see why someone would come to AAIV for social reasons, but at the same time, I don't think you can leave AAIV without knowing its members love God.
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