THE PROPAGATION PROCESS OF BUDDHISM AND CHRISTIANITY ON PLATEAU IN PHETCHABUN PROVINCE

Abstract

The research articles were three objectives, (1) to study the process of Buddhism propagation in the highland, (2) to study the process of Christianity propagation in the highland, and (3) to study the process of Buddhism and Christianity propagation on plateau in Phetchabun Province.

            This was a qualitative research; data collection was done by In-depth Interview, and Focus Group Discussion. The data was collected from the both religions, and academic documents, including to the related researches and by the interview as the In-depth Structure. This research was collected the data from 10 key informants of 2 sample groups e.g., 5 of propagated monks and Dhammacarika monks, and 5 of persons in organization of Christianity. The data analysis was used for summary on descriptive writing.

            The  results  were  found that the  propagation  process  by  the  missionary  monks, Dharma Pilgrimage monk  and the Christian organization  which had a long history of evangelism up to the present time. It was very important to the propagation of both religions,  being able to spread the teachings in various places to let the world society know the strategies for propagating the teachings of both religions.  The techniques of propagation could be summarized in 6 items ; 1) Evangelism  process, 2) The concept of propagation of Buddhism and Christianity Proactive and defensive, 3) Roles, duties, and strategies of teaching dissemination. 4) The concept of the propagation of Christianity in Thailand, 5) Analyze the success of the strategies of the missionaries, Dharma pilgrims, and Christian organizations, and 6) The strengths and weaknesses of propagation of teachings in Buddhism and Christianity.

            The problems and obstacles of the propagation of the teachings of both religions were concluded into 8 points; (1) the budget problem, (2) the teaching communication problem, (3) the propagator problem, (4) the problem lack of knowledge, experience in  the working, and experience in work, (5) the transport problem, (6) the problem of lack of credibility and the acceptance of the highland society, (7) The transportation problem, and (8) The problems in setting plans and policies of annual work plan.

            The result of research was known that the propagated monks and Dhammacarika monks, and the organization of Christianity had the roles to propagate religions until to be a good propagator. Then, the In-depth studies were found that there were a few of propagators of two religions and lack of sacrifice mind. So, the Sangha Community and the related office should develop a propagation system to modern with social progress in order to develop the personnel to be effective continuously.