i find Buddhism intriguing. i don't consider Buddha a god, but i do think he was a prophet...i love his philosophy. i think all religions have something to offer and want to blend them all to become my own...but if i do this can i remain a Catholic?
2006-07-19 20:52:20 · 22 answers · asked by nana luna 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
An interesting question to say the least, and one not deserving of glib responses. I'll try to add my two cents in.
The Roman Catholic Church has a meaning to it. Specifically, it means that to be a member, one has to accept certain beliefs and practices, such as the Nicene Creed, the seven Sacraments, and the leadership of His Holiness the Pope. If you are able to abide by these, then you can remain Catholic.
On one hand, the Church is not a monolithic organisation. Within the structure of the Church, there is diversity of thought and action. The intent of the Church is not to turn everyone into the same person, but to take those aspects of each person and set them in the path of righteousness. From this aspect, it would be easy to see why one can adopt Buddhist practices into one's practice of faith.
On the other hand, do the practices of Buddhism conflict with the teachings of the Church? Perhaps some do and some don't. I doubt that Buddhist mediation in of itself is in conflict with Catholicism, but on what one meditates may have a conflict.
Among the two, Catholicism has the more rigid structure of belief, so if you are looking to remain Catholic, then that is something to consider. However, Buddhism does present certain truths that to ignore would make it hard to be Buddhist. Fortunately, there is a lot of common ground, and if you focus on what is common with Buddhism and the Church and defer to the Church whenever you see a conflict between the two, then you may choose to consider yourself either Buddhist or accepting of certain Buddhist tenets, yet you would still be a Catholic. Of course, it would be best to discuss this with your local priest or bishop if you have further concerns.
2006-07-22 20:35:29 · answer #1 · answered by Ѕємι~Мαđ ŠçїєŋŧιѕТ 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I rather think you can. Buddhism is supposed to be a PHILOSOPHY more than a religion, a philosophy & a religion can overlap. Just as one can be a Catholic / Protestant / Jew & still be a Democrat, Republican, or Independent, or be a Vegetarian, or a member of the Green Party.
Buddha never said he was a " god ", " son of a god ", " prophet " or " Messiah ", just a religious teacher teaching a way to a higher spiritual plane. Belief in a God or a Heaven or Hell were really secondary considerations, at least as I understand it.
Anyway, one can follow the teachings of Buddha - They have a lot to recommend them - & still be a follower of Christ, so I've been led to understand. I read passages in the book " Lost Christianity " by Jacob Needleman, where he quotes a Catholic theologian as saying Buddhism points the way to a more spiritual way of life, but Jesus is The Way.
So, the philosophies & teachings of Jesus & Buddha don't TOTALLY contradict each other. So I understand. & the images of Buddha & temples to him were his followers' idea, not Buddha's. Come to think of it, would Jesus really like all the icons & representations of him, Catholic or Protestant, except as ways to focus on him & his teachings ?
2006-07-20 04:20:49 · answer #2 · answered by knoxvilledaniel 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buddhists dont' consider Buddha a god either, so we're all good there. Generally, Buddhists don't mind if you practice Buddhism while remaining a Catholic (look up the writings of Brother Thomas Merton, a Catholic monk who studied Buddhism). But some Catholics may have a problem with it. At our Buddhist temple, we welcome everyone to come practice with us, no matter what other faith you have. We don't try to convert, we just practice together.
2006-07-20 16:10:01 · answer #3 · answered by tenzo0 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Great, you are interested in Buddhism. He is god that always in our heart. His philosophy is very excellent for living. Sure, you can a remain a Catholic if you believe in Buddhism, he does not care what you are other nationality. Buddhism will make your life have high good patient, generous...I have been in Cambodia, I believe in Buddhist. I am pleasured to tell you more, if you want to aware about Buddhism.
2006-07-20 04:08:20 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are no barriers in Buddhism for this. But Christianity will not allow - May be it will be OK since you are a catholic since they are not that strict.
My advice is first study - You can be a Catholic who studies Buddhism. Not two at the same time. Follow the below link. If you have any questions feel free to drop a line - will be glad to help you !
http://www.metta.lk/
2006-07-20 03:57:10 · answer #5 · answered by R G 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Christianity is not a religion, Its a relationship between a father & a child.You know the father waited for that child to return. "Christianity Hurts" because it speaks the truth and doesnot compromise. Our problem is that we fail to understand who the father is & who the child is ? Who is the creator ? God is our creator and we should listen to him. We want him to do what we want. We want him to endorse everything that we do. He will do only what is right , thats his holiness. Its entirely up to you if you want to follow buddhism because its fashion nowadays, most of the hollywood celebrities too endorse it. Whats more important is your salvation & where you want to spend your eternity. The choice is yours. God has given you the freewill to chose betweed good & evil. The decision is entirely yours. God will never come in your way for he respects the freewill that he has given you. Most importantly you cannot blend truth with false.
Jesus said "I am the way,the truth & the life. No one can come to the father except through me". Our bodies are the temples of the holy spirit, by blending good with evil you think the holy spirit will remain in you ?
2006-07-20 04:25:40 · answer #6 · answered by Shaan 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buddhism and Catholicism are in serious conflict. There are almost no similarities between them. You cannot be a Catholic and a Buddhist, it is impossible. Jesus said you can't serve two masters, you must choose one or the other.
2006-07-21 05:19:43 · answer #7 · answered by Dysthymia 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your whole premises about the Holy Bible and it being written by man making it say what they wanted God to say is the exact 180 degree turn from the truth. In other words you are turning your back on God's Holy Inspired Word. Therefore there is no point in trying to answer your questions about God and the Holy Bible until you Believe Both.
Good Day.
2006-07-21 04:46:27 · answer #8 · answered by deacon 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buddhism is a philosophy.
Catholicism is a religion.
you can be both without conflict.
though, eventually, i think you may reach a place where Buddha says that we should not believe in gods. i could be wrong about that.
2006-07-20 03:58:37 · answer #9 · answered by nickipettis 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Read about Thomas Merton.
He was a Trappist monk who became a Buddhist and remained a Catholic: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Merton
With love in Christ.
2006-07-20 23:32:13 · answer #10 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋