Vietnamese, Kinh in Vietnam

People Name:	Vietnamese, Kinh
Country:	Vietnam
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	84,559,000
World Population:	89,771,000
Primary Language:	Vietnamese
Primary Religion:	Buddhism
Christian Adherents:	9.40 %
Evangelicals:	1.40 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Vietnamese
Affinity Bloc:	Southeast Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

For over two thousand years, people in the land of Vietnam have recognized their national identity. During those two millennia, China controlled Vietnam about one-half of the time. At other times, maritime Hindu cultures influenced southern Vietnam, leading to the development of a distinct culture.

In 1887, Vietnam became part of French Indochina. From 1939 to 1975 the Vietnamese fought the Japanese, French, and then the Americans.

The communists, under Ho Chi Minh, overthrew the French in 1954. The Geneva Accord of 1954 split the country into North and South Vietnam along the 17th parallel. The US gave aid to South Vietnam. The US military withdrew from the country in 1973. Two years later, the communist north overtook the south and "reunited" the country. Under state socialism, the nation's economy floundered. In the 1990s, the government initiated market reforms, and the economy has since grown to become one of the leading economies in Southeast Asia.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The extended family is important to the Vietnamese, and that includes cousins. They have a strong support system because of their strong families. Loyalty to one another and respect for elders is essential. Families make sure to come together for celebrations like Tet, a New Year’s festival.

Vietnamese can be found in all walks of life. They are the dominant ethnic group in Vietnam, so many have secure government jobs.

There is a different mindset for those in the north and those in the south that dates back centuries. Hindu-based maritime peoples once had a significant influence over those in the south, while those in the north remained primarily influenced by the Chinese. That affected their views on religion and economics. Though the north is politically dominant, the south is what drives Vietnam’s economy.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The earliest forms of Vietnamese worship were animism and veneration for ancestors. The Vietnamese worshiped the sun, soil, water, and the earth fertility goddess Mau. The Vietnamese believed that spirits inhabited the mountains, rivers, rocks, and other natural elements. There were also spirits of their departed ancestors who needed to be placated and honored.

Later Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucianism thought made their way to Vietnam. These beliefs were incorporated into the Vietnamese form of animism and ancestor veneration. No matter where they live, it is common for the Vietnamese to practice Buddhism blended with their old spiritual practices.

Several Vietnamese claim to be followers of Jesus Christ. Most of these are Roman Catholics, with a much smaller Protestant church.

What Are Their Needs?

The Vietnamese must see that Christianity is not a foreign religion imposed on them by outsiders. They need to see the love of Christ lived out among them by Spirit-filled disciples.

Prayer Points

Ask the Lord to send loving disciplers to the Vietnamese in Vietnam.
Pray for a spiritual hunger among the Vietnamese that drives them to read the Bible and listen to Christian radio programs.
Pray for a movement to Christ for the Vietnamese that will grow and spread throughout to other ethnic groups.