Buddhism and christianity in thailand?

[Redbird_Lefty]

Re my comment on wife beating in Vietnam, I cite only my personal experience with (many) Vietnamese women I've spoken with, discussions with Vietnamese-Americans, what I'd read on the internet re the culture, etc. Given that breadth, I concluded that beating of wives in VN, although not widespread, is not uncommon.

I'm not asserting that this is accepted as part of Buddhism at all, only that husbands who beat nevertheless proclaim themselves to be Buddhist. In similar fashion, I've seen enough self-proclaimed "Christians" here in America who are anything but Christian. One doesn't have to go much further than citing the example of pedophile Catholic priests for evidence of that.

BTW, have there ever been reported cases of pedophile monks? Somehow, I doubt it.

Annabee--re your thoughts on this topic and particularly on Aung San Suu Kyi -- no need to apologize for extolling the virtues of a time-proven life philosophy and the people who promoting peace. Your heart is in the right place, for sure.

[paul_au]

I think wife beating, is a bad thing, but I don't think that it is more common in the buddhist religion, but is more common in cultures that have the male's playing a more dominent roll in society, like in south america and the middle east.

[Makiy0]

If I ever have a wife beating spouse, you can bet I'll sue his a$$ off.

[HansW]

Dear Members
It is interesting to just compare what the two individuals Jesus and Buddha thought. Taking the sermon on the hill on the one side and the Dharmpadda on the other side, Jesus preaches things contained in the Dharmapadda, and this does not come as a surprise, as Jesus very likely was a Buddhist priest. The main difference is, that Jesus proclaims that only through him one comes to heaven whereas Buddha proclaims, that only by the individual effort one reaches nirvana. Buddhas can only show the way, and it is up to everyone to decide what kind of a live they want to live. The commandments are pretty much the same, Buddha does not claim to be the only one ever having reached the other side, but Jesus claims, that only he is gods only son, and only by his grace will there be salvation. So Christianity is kind of a deal: believe and prayers against a better future, Buddha does not offer a deal at all, he just puts the responsibility into everybody’s own hands,-- no favours there what’s however; no God who will come and help if things don’t go according to plan.

[annabee]

thats very interesting post..i dont know much about christianity...other than the ten commandents and story of how christmas came to be....

Beacause buddhism allows followers to make their own choices it kind of sounds more like a philsophy...without the insence and the brahman rituals in thailand and you stripped it bare to its core beliefs...it doesnt ask it followers to believe or do anything other than living life as good honest people with out harm to other living beings inorder to achieve nirvana

I was also hoping if some one could answer this question for me..if in buddhist beliefs that you are reborn then then does that mean buddhists dont believe in the concept of heaven and #### because what use would it be if you where just to be reborn? Because I do know that christians and catholics do...

[visionchaser45]

I guess that all depends on a person's particular interpretation of the scriptures. Jesus said, "The kingdom of God comes not with observation; neither shall they say, Lo here! or, Lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you." One could surmise that he is talking about the kingdom of God as a spiritual versus a physical "place." One could then think of "heaven" in a similar way as one would think of "nirvana." It is not difficult to think of heaven as a state of enlightenment, versus a piece of special real estate. This might also explain why Jesus told his disciples, "Where I am you cannot come, and where I go you cannot follow..." Perhaps he was really saying that, "Because I am enlightened and see things in a new way, you are not able to see what I see and understand as I do." After all, they were all in the same physical place at the time this statement was made. Therefore, they were with him where he was in a physical sense.

Whether "christians," "buddhists," "muslims," "hindus," etc., those who have not attained enlightenment cannot understand the light. In other words, you cannot see until your eyes are enlightened. I do not believe that one attains enlightenment simply through group membership. I believe the quest for enlightenment is a personal journey for which each individual is responsible. Just my two baht's worth

[soccergirl91507]

Approximately .6% of the Thai people are considered Christian. I have several Thai friends that are Christians and was actually surprised to meet several Christians in the Walking Street in Chiang Mai this summer. Although the percentage of Christians in Thailand is very small, they are there and they are making a difference. They are amazing people and are very burdened for the lostness of their nation. THAI CHRISTIANS DO EXIST! AND THEY AREN'T BUDDHISTS TOO! IT'S NOT POSSIBLE TO BE BUDDHIST AND CHRISTIAN AT THE SAME TIME!

[Ariya]

Hi soccergirl,
What exactly do you mean by 'they...are very burdened for the lostness of their nation' ? Are you implying that Thailand is 'lost' because the majority of its citizens are Buddhists? Or even that Buddhism is a false belief? Please clarify.

[Stacker]

Soccergirl while we appreciate you joining these forums, and we warmly welcome you, please re-read your statement and consider how it may be taken by others. Many Buddhists would likely find the statement implying that they are lost souls offensive.

We put alot of effort into getting along well, and well you get it

Welcome to the forums.

[soccergirl91507]

Stacker,

I am aware that many Buddhists may find the statement offensive and while I'm not trying to offend them, I do have a duty: to proclaim the Truth boldly and without resolve. I will not back down on what I said. I truly love the Thai people, and have a heart to serve them. And Ariya, yes, I am saying that Buddhism is a false belief. I'm not saying that all Buddhists are bad people or that none of the principles of Buddhism are good, but I am saying that it's not the way to life eternal. The only way is through Jesus Christ. You may disagree with me or not even understand what I'm saying, but I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Jesus Christ is the ONLY way to that eternal life. I hope and pray with all of my heart that someday, somehow, you will discover that truth for yourself. If it be through me, praise God. If it's through another, then praise Him still. May God bless you all!