Why do some hardcore Christians equate Buddhism and Native tradition with Atheism?

Question

Even being agnostic is not atheist... agnostics believe in something, they just don't feel the need to define it for your benefit.

And why are Buddhist considered atheist.... Buddha was a human... they might believe in God as well. But they might not want to join your religion after you have just insulted their beliefs.

Answer 1

I agree that this seems odd. Even if a Christian were to believe that (say) Native American beliefs weren't honoring the right deity, I think calling them atheists is completely inaccurate, since that would imply they didn't believe in a deity at all.

Answer 2

I am Christian but I do not believe that Buddhists are atheistic. That's just stupid. All religions are founded on a strict moral basis. "Dinner with a Perfect Stranger" really put other world religions into a better light for me. It's a little harsh, but it is not completely false either. I have a few stronger opinions, but I don't feel the need like some Christians to force my views on everyone.

Answer 3

Christians are sloppy in their logic. That religious "leap of faith" they make separates them from reason the way communication becomes impossible with someone who crosses the event horizon of a black hole.

Christians will say whatever silly thing pops into their heads that they think "sounds good" and at least in the general direction of their beliefs. If you catch them in a contradiction, they will shrug their shoulders and say yet further silly things that indicate nothing except their attempt to provide themselves with good feelings and audible reassurance.

The Christians have, however, the honesty of believing their own nonsense. That's partly why it is so clumsy and so illogical. Contrast them with, say, Jews. Both Christians and Jews say things that are not in accord with reality, but the Jews do it consciously, and so they are much more clever about it. And more versatile, too, since they don't restrict their grandiose deceptions to religion.

Answer 4

People who bash anything that does not regurgitate their dogma are only displaying their own ignorance, if not hate.

I doubt it that a genuine Buddhist would take any notice of attempted offences against his belief by a person who does have no understanding of it, and neither should native American tradition.

Answer 5

religion vs relationship

[Atheism is belief that there is no God.]

Religion is believing in and following a doctrine (teaching) that is man made.

{Some people ARE religious about following the doctrine of the bible}

Christianity is a relationship with the living God who sent His Son Jesus to pay the penalty for our sins with His blood on the cross & and He rose after three days and is seated at the right hand of God.
God speaks to us through His Word which is living and active and sharper than a two edged sword.

The rest of mankind....did not repent of the works of their hands so as not to worship demons and the idols of gold and of silver and of brass and of stone and of wood which can neither see nor hear nor walk. Revelation 9:20

Answer 6

Personally, I have not expressed an opinion on this and I have not yet seen a Christian offer the opinions you suggest on this forum. On the other hand, I have seem atheists claim Buddhists and deists as atheists on several occasions on YA. Maybe we are running in different circles.

Answer 7

I'm not sure what you are referring to, but Buddhism is athiestic. So is Confucianism, Taoism, and Jainism.

Tan Swee Eng, "A Basic Buddhism Guide." Buddhanet.net (2004):

There is no almighty God in Buddhism. There is no one to hand out rewards or punishments on a supposedly Judgement Day. Buddhism is strictly not a religion in the context of being a faith and worship owing allegiance to a supernatural being.

Answer 8

Because most christians are not real Christians. They're idiots clinging to an idea of what they BELIEVE God to be.

Answer 9

Well said.

Answer 10

because they are experts in false beliefs.