Interpreting Proverbs 11:18-31, Psalm 73, and Ecclesiastes 9:1-12 in Light Of, and as a Response To, Thai Buddhist Interpretations

A Contribution to Christian-Buddhist Dialogue
Erscheinungsjahr 2012
ISBN: 978-90-04-21011-0
Verlag: Brill

Buch, Englisch, Band 10, 346 Seiten, Format (B × H): 160 mm x 236 mm, Gewicht: 1520 g

Reihe: Studies in Systematic Theology

This book discusses how three Old Testament wisdom texts can be interpreted in light of, and as a response to Thai Buddhist interpretations. Its central aim is to explore a new method in Buddhist-Christian dialogue that has three steps. First, Buddhists are asked to reflect on biblical texts, second, the texts are analyzed by placing Christian and Buddhist perspectives side by side, and finally points of convergence and difference are established in order to provide a platform for further dialogue. The study succeeds in demonstrating that the method explored is a fruitful approach to interreligious dialogue which takes interpretations of biblical texts by the religious ‘other’ seriously, and manages to both affirm commonalities and face religious difference.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Storstein Haug, Kari

Fachgebiete

• Geisteswissenschaften Christentum, Christliche Theologie Christentum/Christliche Theologie Allgemein Christentum und Weltreligionen, Weltethos
• Geisteswissenschaften Christentum, Christliche Theologie Bibelwissenschaften Altes Testament: Exegese, Geschichte
• Geisteswissenschaften Religionswissenschaft Religionswissenschaft Allgemein Dialog & Beziehungen zwischen Religionen
• Geisteswissenschaften Religionswissenschaft Buddhismus

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Chapter 1: Introduction
Biblical interpretation and interreligious dialogue
Primary sources and method

PART I: THAI BUDDHIST INTERPRETATIONS OF PROVERBS 11:18-31, PSALM
73, AND ECCLESIASTES 9:1-12

Chapter 2: Thai Buddhist Interpretations of Proverbs 11:18-31
Introduction
“Do good, receive good; do evil, receive evil”
“The more you give, the more you get”
“As you sow, God gives the fruit”
“There is no way to escape [the consequences of acts]”
“Humans control their own destiny”
“We are good, but might be punished in this world”
“Women must have wisdom”
“This text teaches people to do good”
Intermediate conclusion

Chapter 3: Thai Buddhist Interpretations of Psalm 73
Introduction
Why do the wicked prosper, while the good suffer?
Trust in God
Combining the two themes
Intermediate conclusion

Chapter 4: Thai Buddhist Interpretations of Ecclesiastes 9:1-12
Introduction
“Use your time in the best way possible”
“There is time and opportunity for all”
“Everything is in the hands of God”
“All meet the same (khraw, fate)”
Intermediate conclusion

Chapter 5: Conclusion to Part I: Thai Buddhist Interpretations
Introduction
The understanding of the main themes and issues
Resources used in the interpretation of the texts
How the interviewees related to the texts

PART II: INTERPRETING PROVERBS 11:18-31, PSALM 73, AND ECCLESIASTES
9:1-12 IN LIGHT OF, AND AS A RESPONSE TO THAI BUDDHIST
INTERPRETATIONS

Chapter 6: Interpreting Proverbs 11:18-31 in Light of, and as a Response to Thai Buddhist
Interpretations
Introduction
Interpreting Proverbs 11:18-31 in textual context
Interpreting Proverbs 11:18-31 in response to Thai Buddhist interpretations
Intermediate conclusion

Chapter 7: Interpreting Psalm 73 in Light of, and as a Response to Thai Buddhist
interpretations
Introduction
Interpreting Psalm 73 in textual context
Interpreting Psalm 73 in response to Thai Buddhist interpretations
Intermediate conclusion

Chapter 8: Interpreting Ecclesiastes 9:1-12 in Light of, and as a Response to Thai Buddhist
Interpretations
Introduction
Interpreting Ecclesiastes 9:1-12 in textual context
Interpreting Ecclesiastes 9:1-12 in response to Thai Buddhist interpretations
Intermediate conclusion

Chapter 9: Conclusion Part II
Introduction
“As you sow, you will reap”
Other issues

CONCLUSION

APPENDIX

SOURCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY

Über Autor(innen)

Storstein Haug, Kari
Kari Storstein Haug, Ph.D. (2008, School of Mission and Theology – MHS), is Associate Professor of Missiology at MHS, Stavanger, Norway. She has published several articles on the encounter between Christianity and Buddhism in a Thai context.