IDOLS

Of course, there are things to mourn. When I began counseling Ratchai and Pai about getting rid of their household idols (a small Buddha statue and an animistic "Nang-guac" woman statue), I was struck by how sensitive this issue is and what a deep stronghold idols are here. It was physically tiring (spiritually and emotionally goes without saying) to talk about this issue with them. I realized that this is the point of spiritual warfare. The stronghold lies here. As I consulted with other Thai Christian leaders about how to counsel on these issues, I was further struck by the cautiousness and fear that surrounds dealing with idols. It was like a burden just weighing me down and I wanted to cry out in zeal rather than having the patience and gentleness to continue ministering in the way that is effective in Thai culture. These carven and porcelain images, which in some households (and on street corners, at prominent trees, and in temples) are actively worshipped with offerings of incense, Fanta, fruit, various colored cloths, etc. are held to be sacred - even still by our new believers (Ratchai's family has never actively worshipped them though). Ratchai and Pai know they need to get rid of them eventually, they understand this is the will of the Lord, but they currently think of just giving them back to relatives or the temple. Idols here aren't thought to be private property, even though they are produced and sold just like any other good. Rather, they are thought to be the property of the nation and thus it is a crime to destroy them. It seems to be a social crime even to publicly get rid of them from one's house.

Buddhism is not the stronghold of Thailand. Idols are.