Chapter 7 Pentecostalism in Thailand and Vietnam
In: Asia Pacific PentecostalismSearch for other papers by James Hosack in
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Although the two nations of Thailand and Vietnam have shared historic influences from India and China, they have maintained ambivalent political and social relations. Theravāda Buddhists in Thailand and Mahāyāna Buddhists in Vietnam dominate the religious landscape. However, these two countries have a common Christian heritage as key mission centres for Southeast Asia, particularly for Pentecostal organisations. Both have also seen varying degrees of success, amid continually changing religious climates. Thailand has become a centre of balance for Pentecostals serving throughout Southeast Asia. In Vietnam, French colonisation, Japanese occupation and communism unification have served to reveal the resilience of Vietnamese Pentecostals. There are several keys points of congruence between the Pentecostal origins and development of Pentecostalism in Thailand and Vietnam. These include: early missionary foundations; charismatic renewal and revivalism; the war in Vietnam as a catalyst for growth; and the role of prominent Pentecostal leaders.