Authors : Roangrit Ponnamin, Songkoon Chantachon and Virat Pansila
Abstract: Christianity’s success in Northeastern Thailand or Isan communities is contributed to early Christian efforts, which gained trust and belief from rural communities whose members were in need of health care, services, protection and hope. The results of providing social services to remote communities in Northeastern Thailand or Isan have created a large following in Christian faith in encouraging people to do good deeds and help those in need. Large Christian communities were created and the Christian faith was extended to the next generations. The successful integration of beliefs, traditions, customs and rituals have created strong Christian communities where members are united and help each other maintain social order, environmental conservation and improve the quality of life. Isan Christianity is a mix of local traditions and customs combined with the Christian faith. Many Christian rituals were made easier to follow and adapted in combination with local traditions, which were harmoniously combined to create a peaceful community, a strong united society and sustainable quality of life.
Roangrit Ponnamin, Songkoon Chantachon and Virat Pansila, 2009. Christianity, Social and Cultural Change for Sustainable Life Improvement of Isan Community. The Social Sciences, 4: 472-477.