How do we put the truths of the Bible in cultural and religious context? The age old question.
That we actually should put them into cultural and religious context is plain from Paul’s words and deeds.
And to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, not being myself under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law … (1 Corinthians 9:20).
For as I was walking around and looking closely at the objects you worship, I even found an altar with this written on it: ‘To an unknown god.’ So I am telling you about the unknown object you worship (Acts 17:23).
Heeding these passages I have spent a lot of time trying to get my head around the dharma (Buddha’s teachings), and in particular nibbana (or Enlightenment) and the Four Noble Truths.
However, the reality is for the average Thai nibbana is so incredibly far away (at least a few more hundred lifetimes at a minimum) that it does not occupy their day-to-day thinking. At least in the Theravada Buddhism of Thailand the conditioning one’s mind to attain nibbana remains purely the domain of the monkhood.
Spirituality for the average Thai is dominated by two things: building good gum (Thai for karma, similar to “making merit”) and navigating and appeasing the spirit world.
Even though Buddha expressly preaching against any belief in spirits, “folk Buddhism”, as it is known, is heavily synchronised with older animistic beliefs. For the average Thai good, bad and neutral spirits are everywhere in this world – trees, rivers and buildings. Most homes, and every apartment block and shopping centre have “spirit houses” built out the front where offerings to them can be made.
So given that a lot of Thais live in fear of the spirit world, what an appropriate place to start a dialogue about Christianity. In the very beginning God created spiritual beings, but because He is God and they are his creation God has absolute power over them. There is no need to continue living in fear!
After English class we presented a short skit of the Fall of Satan to the students. I enjoy listening to the interesting questions the students come up with after class because they are from such a broad bunch of backgrounds. Some are post-grad medicine students and lecturers, scientists, and computer programmers, but others come from liberal arts backgrounds. With all these thinking minds around great discussion always ensues.
They have heard so many myths about Jesus and Christianity (perhaps in the same way we have heard a lot of myths about other world religions in Australia) they are all fascinated to finally hear the truth about what Christians believe. Just like university students back home these guys are thirsty to understand the world they live in and the world’s different faiths. Thankfully Thailand, for the most part, supports freedom of religion and allows this to happen.
Through the talks I’ve had with monks and students I feel like my knowledge of Buddhism has grown a hundred fold. I feel like I am heeding the Thai proverb, “it is better to talk to one wise man than read one hundred books” (or something along those lines). It sure has saved me a lot of reading!
Please pray for these times with the students. After long English classes we only have twenty minutes available twice a week (the first for a presentation the second for discussion). Pray that we will be faithful in how we communicate the Gospel and that students will come with open hearts and open minds.
