I Know What I Believe

“If you think it is wrong to serve theLord, choose today whom you will serve. Choose the gods your fathers worshipedon the other side of the river, or choose the gods of the Amorites in whoseland you are living. But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.”(Joshua 24:15, New Life Version) 

Buddhismis the state religion of Cambodia. According to various sources, approximately 97%of Cambodia's population follows Theravada Buddhism, with Islam, Christianity,tribal animism, and the Baha’i faith making up the small remainder. From what Iwitnessed on my trip to Cambodia, I’d change that wording to say “97% of thepopulation claim to be Buddhists”. I really didn’t get the feeling that allthose people actually followed Buddhism; I could be way wrong and I don’t wantto accuse anyone of lying about their religion so I need to leave it there.

Afterreading about Buddhism in several books and on the internet, as well as talkingto a few people in Cambodia, it seems really complicated.

Theeasiest part is the five precepts or rules that must be followed. Do not kill. Donot steal. Do not commit acts of sexual immorality. Do not speak badly ofanyone. Do not drink to the point of intoxication.

Thefirst four are in line with the Ten Commandments and no one can argue that ifeveryone kept those laws, the world would be a better place. Avoiding alcoholor other drugs is a good idea too, but just like in America, there seemed to bea definite presence of alcohol consumption, with signs advertising beer andsimilar beverages everywhere.  

Thenafter those five rules, Buddhism takes on all kinds of weirdness. Yes, peopleprobably think that parts of Christianity are weird, so, again, I shouldn’tjudge. I’m also not going to go into more detail right now.

Justone last comment. Between the 9th and 14th centuries,Hinduism was the dominant religion in Cambodia, and the vast temples built bythe country’s kings during those years were dedicated to Hindu gods. It’sthought that many people in Cambodia practice Buddhism along with Hinduism tothis day.   

Thatmakes my head spin and reinforces my faith in the triune God and in JesusChrist as my Savior.