CONTENTS

Acknowledgements

Chapter One. Introduction

Biblical Interpretation and Interreligious Dialoguewrite indexwrite {1:3:Interreligious Dialogue}

Primary Sources and Method

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

Introduction to Part I

Chapter Two. 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 Three. Thai Buddhist Interpretations of Psalm 73

Introduction

Why Do the Wickedwrite indexwrite {86:the Wicked} Prosper, While the Good Suffer?

Trust in Godwrite indexwrite {109:3:Trust in God}

Combining the Two Themes

Intermediate Conclusion

Chapter Four. 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 {e'kr'aa} (Khraw, Fate)".

Intermediate Conclusion

Chapter Five. 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

Introduction to Part II

Chapter Six. 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 Seven. 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 Eight. 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 Nine. Conclusion to Part II

Introduction

"As You Sow, You Will Reap"

Other Issues

Conclusion

Suggestions for Further Research

APPENDIX

Interview Guide---English Translation

Final Question after Having Discussed All Three Texts

The Bible

SOURCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY

Index of Biblical References

Index of Subjects

Index of Names