2006-06-08 01:43:28 · 14 answers · asked by Real Kelly Bundy 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I don't know if it's the fastest, but it wouldn't surprise me, as it is such a beautiful way of life. It is not condemning, it is positive, compassionate, and perhaps most importantly not into telling anyone that the way of Buddhism is the only way worth while. I love the approach together with the Tao.
2006-06-08 01:51:26 · answer #1 · answered by Andrea 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I don't think Buddhism is the fastest growing religion in the West, but I think it's definitely got the West's attention. Part of the allure, it seems, is that it has some its teachings speak to the growing alienation of contemporary, post-industrial Europe and North America. Part of the reason for that spike in interest can be in seen in the growing numbers of disillusioned believers. For instance, former Catholics, in my admittedly limited experience and research, enjoy what seems to be the dogma-less feel of Buddhism. Could that be a response to the prevalence of dogma in Catholicism? But that's not exactly an accurate portrayal of Buddhism. I mean, Theravada Buddhism is quite different than Mahayana Buddhism. And there is dogma within both.
Buddhism's like the new kid in the class with a cool accent. Just take a look at the religion/spirituality section in any bookstore. The number of pop-Buddhist writers espousing this strange blend of modern psychology and Eastern metaphysics seem mainly directed not at teaching Buddhism as a viable world religion but at helping people feel better about themselves. So, people are attracted to that element, even if it's not exactly the real thing and more of a pop-interpretation on texts.
In the end, I think there are two main reasons for the growing interest: One is that many people in contemporary society feel betrayed by the religions of their youths. The second reason is that elements of Buddhism are speaking to our current problems, and with the help of lay-Buddhist writers loosely interpreting Buddhist scripture for Western society, we're seeing potential solutions to the problems as we interpret them in the West.
2006-06-08 02:08:04 · answer #2 · answered by SnowFlats 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i don't think so...
buddhism / hinduism appeals to some people, since it offers something different from christianity and islam. there IS a growing trend, but its system is still limited to one-by-one conversion
christianity and islam has better propaganda system, peer pressure system, stronger immunity to conversion - so i would guess that buddhism couldn't possibly be the fastest growing religion in the western world
it relies too much on free choice and open mindedness... something which is not appealing to many
2006-06-08 02:10:20 · answer #3 · answered by dojodomo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buddhism is not the fastest growing religion in the western world.
Depending on what article you read:
The top three are:
1. Islam
2. Spanish Catholic church
3. Independent churchs
2006-06-08 01:50:57 · answer #4 · answered by williamzo 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the fastest growing religion is athiesm mixed with a form of meditation based on Buddhism and christianity. All religions are dying under the hammer of science and new knowledge. most people cant take this as real and as a result are joining very extremist cults such as islam, mormon moonism and hare krishna, because they think that such cults can answer their questions.
Most of these converts dont remain for long, and finally escape these cults. those who are weak are trapped for ever
2006-06-08 01:55:35 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's a hard thing to measure.
If you mean % of growth, or if you mean numbers added, or if you mean % of interest expressed, or whatever, you come up with a different number.
I think that Buddhism is quite open, having more to do with personal growth and knowledge than with group worship, so that it fits our modern world better than some of the church/mosque/temple religions.
2006-06-08 03:56:41 · answer #6 · answered by lottyjoy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
nope, islam is the fastest growing religion.
2006-06-08 01:51:44 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
well, i really don't know if its the most fastest growing but all i know is that all religions are good.
2006-06-08 02:05:07 · answer #8 · answered by Celestine N 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
within its first month so far the religion of jim_darwinism has gone from 1 member to 42
thats 4200% growth, can islam budhism or christianity claim this percent
2006-06-08 02:49:02 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry pal make that Christianity
2006-06-08 01:45:55 · answer #10 · answered by . 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋