Resources - filtered

A New Hope for Understanding: Adapting the Buddhist Paradigm of Merit Transference to Explain the Substitutionary Sacrifice of Christ by Dahlfred, Karl

This paper aims to examine the implications, benefits, and challenges of using the Buddhist concept of merit transference to explain the redemptive work of Christ to those with a karmic worldview, with particular attention to the Theravada Buddhist context. The first part of the paper will examine the nature of karma, merit, and merit transference as they exist in the minds of Buddhists, particularly Theravada Buddhists. The second part of the paper will deal with adapting the merit transference paradigm to explain the cross of Christ, followed by an analysis of the potentially positive and negative consequences of presenting the Gospel in this way.

A PROLEGOMENA FOR THE THAI CONTEXT: A Starting Point for Thai Theology (Article) by Taylor, Steve

The article explores the statement why "Thai are not interested in systematic theology’. The reason is most theology taught in Thailand is Western in origin. The problem is that the thought processes and epistemology of the Thai have generally not developed along Western lines. They hold different presuppositions and world view to that of the West. Furthermore, ‘local theologies which are directly applicable to the Thai mind and culture have not yet emerged’. The gospel of Jesus Christ can not yet be said to have become rooted in the Thai mind. This article discusses the necessity for develop of a Thai systematic theology.

A PROLEGOMENA FOR THE THAI CONTEXT: A Starting Point for Thai Theology (Thesis) by Taylor, Steve

The heart of the research is an extensive study of the Thai context in particular the Thai thought structure, philosophy, epistemology and system of belief. Data was drawn from materials already available and six interviews with prominent Thai thinkers. A method of approaching theology in the Thai context is proposed.

Accomodation by Swanson, Herb

Short article about the question of giving donations to the local temple for various occasions.

Allowing Jesus to Be Reborn in Weddings (And Other Ceremonies) by Prometta, Tongpan

Write-up of a seminar given by Rev. Tongpan Prometta at the Isaan Congress II, Khon Kaen, Thailand, translated by Paul H. DeNeui talking about contextualization of the gospel by using things found in local culture: Wedding ceremony.

Allowing Jesus to be Reborn at Funerals by Prometta, Tongpan

Write-up of a seminar given by Rev. Tongpan Prometta at the Isaan Congress II, Khon Kaen, Thailand, translated by Paul H. DeNeui talking about contextualization of the gospel by using things found in local culture: funeral ceremonies.

Animism, Syncretism, and Christianity in Thailand by Dahlfred, Karl

To gain a better understanding of the forces at work in shaping Christianity in the global South, the following study will look at the nature of animism and syncretism in general, and then focus in upon Christianity in Thailand as a case study of the effect of animism upon Christian belief and practice in the global South. 8 We will then look at examples of efforts being made by both missionaries and Thai Christians to move beyond syncretism. Our study will conclude with some recommendations for further work.

Beyond anti-syncretism: Gospel, context and authority in the New Testament and in Thai conversions to Christianity by Zehner, Edwin

Chapter from the book "Power and identity in the Global Church" using material from the study of Thai Christians and Thai Bhuddist conversions to Christianity in light of the apostle Paul's missiological and theological struggles in his own context, to suggest some of the difficulties in distinguishing between contextualization and syncretism and to argue that missionaries need to avoid being overly directive in the attempt to shape the contextualization of local churches.

Book Review - "From Buddha to Jesus: An Insider’s View of Buddhism & Christianity", by Steve Cioccolanti by Dinkins, Larry

Christian Theology in a country of temples by Staveren, Karsten van

Article about the difficultly explaining the gospel to a Thai Buddhist. One of the author's key point is focusing on the exclusive differences between Theravada Buddhism and Christianity will not be fruitful in a Thai context

Christianity and Buddhism in Thailand by Hughes, Phillip

Study highlighting the differences and similarites between Buddhist and Christian soteriology

Christianity and Buddhism in Thailand: The "Battle of the Axes" and the "Contest of Power" by Cohen, Erik

Insightful article written by a non-Christian about the difficultly missionaries have in converting Thai's to Christianity. The article contrasts the difference between Buddhist thought and Christian thought and how effects the spread of Christianity in Thailand