An Adaptation and Cultural Negotiation of Christian in Ban Songyae Kham Toei Sub-district, Thai Charoen District, Yasothorn Province

Abstract

            This research article aims to study the cultural adaptation and negotiation of Isan Christians at Ban Songyae, Kham Toei Sub-district, Thai Charoen District, Yasothon Province by qualitative research methodology. Data collecting from the Christians was conducted at the Songyae community by observing and interviewing the target group of 36 people. The data was analyzed and interpreted through the concept of multiculturalism, cultural diffusion and cultural adaptation. The research results are presented in descriptive analytics style.

            The research reveals the Isan-Christians at Ban Songyae  had adapted themselves by procedures and conditions in five dimensions namely 1) Structural adaptation effected the cultural adaptation of the Songyae temple through the policy of transforming new ritual practices and increasing Christians’ participation in the administration of the temple 2) Adaptation amidst the cultural diversity in the local Isan especially in the Heet 12 ceremony which Christians had adapted themselves to participate in the traditions and merits of the Isan people harmoniously. 3) Religious leaders’ adaptation especially the pastor who led Christians in living in local communities by his participation in Isan people’s ceremonies. 4) Christians’ adaptation was adjusting their ways of life by lesson the strict regulations in order to compromise with the community’s ways of life. 5) Adaptation and Negotiation amid the religious conflicts in Isan area, especially in the area of Ban Songkhon  in Mukdahan Province where seven Christains were dead. Christians negotiated by improving the status of the deceased to be a blessing called Boon Rasee. In the area of Ban Songyae, the pastor was physically abused including the destruction of religious places. However, Ban Songyae Christians have adapted their procedures and adopted the mechanism of the state’s power established in Akkara Deva Michael Songyae Monastery in order to be widely accepted both locally and nationally.