Let's take the first case under consideration. In my view, it is possible to be a good Christian and a Buddhist, because Christianity tends to be dismissive of the Buddha as a "mere mortal". The practical doctrines of Buddhism (the precepts and the Eightfold Path) are consistent with the Ten Commandments or monastic vows. The spiritual doctrines of Buddhism (Enlightenment, Samsara and Nirvana) are treated as mistaken, but essentially harmless.
However, it is my view that it's impossible to be a good Buddhist and a Christian. A true Buddhist would have to reject the dominance of the Holy Trinity (although not necessarily its existence), because it would imply that the teachings of Buddha were wrong. A holy being (deva or god) is still a subject to rebirth and suffering, and cannot be the ideal towards which people strive. Also, the true salvation comes only after a person dies and is NEVER reborn, which directly contradicts the idea of Heaven.
Any thoughts?
2007-09-25
08:59:30
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20 answers
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asked by
Belzetot
5