Buddhism and Christianity in Competition? Religious and Ethnic Identity in Karen Communities of Northern Thailand (Continued from the Issue 4/2009)

Abstract

This article continues to show the impacts of Christianity on the Karen communities of Northern Thailand. It focuses on issues pertaining to the choice of religion in village communities; the stance of Buddhism and Christianity on traditions and the interrelationship of different religious systems; social networks; economic innovation and ecological awareness; and urban religious networks. These factors influence the maintenance of traditional religious beliefs by some Karen communities and the religious conversion of other Karen sub-ethnic groups. Despite religious conflicts and competition, the Karen communities in Thailand retain unique cultural identities.