DYNAMIC BIBLICAL CHRISTIANITY IN THE BUDDHIST/MARXIST CONTEXT: NORTHEAST THAILAND (MISSIOLOGY, INTER-CULTURAL, COMMUNICATIONS, RELIGIOUS ENCOUNTER)

A question that emerges from the encounter of Christianity with religion in Northeast Thailand is this; "Why has Christianity not made a more profound impact?" This question points to a central problem addressed in this dissertation: Christians in Thailand face a westernized non-growing and weakened form of Christianity that is being challenged by two dominant forces; Buddhism and Marxism. Both of these ideologies are contending for faith allegiance of Thai people.;The methodology employed to approach this problem begins with missionary field experience in Northeast Thailand (1966-1975). This experience included evangelism, Christian social development and leadership training programs in both urban and rural areas.;After leaving the region I continued my search for solutions to the problems I encountered in my missionary work. This search led me further studies in anthropology, cultural communications, theology, ethics, history and religion (1976-1980). I also updated my field research (1980-1984). The perspectives that emerge fall generally into three categories; anthropology, theology and intercultural communications.;The results of this study form five dominant themes. They are (1) the western character of Christianity in Northeast Thailand, (2) its religious/political context, (3) dynamic equivalence Christianity as a response, (4) missiological applications and (5) case studies to illustrate important aspects of the theoretical models.;My response to this problem is that the Christian movement can become more biblically dynamic and culturally relevant provided it demonstrates an ecumenical willingness to seriously consider the lessons of the suffering Church beyond its borders and that it produce a message that speaks directly to the changing context of Thailand today.;These results have led to four basic conclusions. First, Christianity is a dynamic force. Hence the problem of non-growing Christianity is not due to any philosophical weakness. Rather it is due to the manner of its communication. Second, syncretistic religion represents a formidable obstacle. Therefore it should be taken seriously. Third, Marxism remains a threat to the Christian movement in spite of recent setbacks. Fourth, to plant the Church in its cultural context Christian workers should seek to employ the dynamic biblical Christianity model.