Buddhism and Christianity?

Question

Hey. Im a Christian and love God. I have been reading about Buddhism and really like the way Budda taught and do not think he tried to make himself a god. I was wondering is it possible to be both.
I have heard that Buddhism is not a religion but a philosophy. I Also want to know what other Christians would think if I would follow a buddist philosophy as well.

Answer 1

From a Buddhist perspective, it's more or less okay.

Buddhism has a non-theistic stance, meaning it has no comment about the existence or non-existence of God or gods. So you could believe in Yahweh and Jesus and still be a Buddhist, provided there are no Christian practices that counter those of the Buddha.

However, Christianity is rather less accepting. From a Christian perspective, differences in, for example, the afterlife are too great for the two to be reconcilable.

So - ask a Buddhist, yes.
Ask a Christian - no.
Ask me - it's your life and do as you please.

Answer 2

Absolutely. I am a Christian who used to be a Zen Buddhist! What I hope people will realize that Buddhism is more of a philosophy, a way of life; not a religion. I find it possible to still adhere to some Buddhist principles AND be a Christian. Let's see, Zen Buddhist principles/tenets/precepts that match up with Christianity: Not harming other living things, Do not cause harm to other people, No stealing / thievery Avoid sexual immorality Don't lie/slander/gossip Don't be mean or hurtful to others when speaking Recognize the gift of the body- don't pollute it (drugs, alcohol, gluttony, sloth, etc.) Importance of the soul, Respect of life, Each person is a unique individual and should be respected, Meditation is important, Growing in knowledge is important, Sow goodness in all things, Stay away from evil things/behaviors, Choosing harmful natures to the self will destroy the self, Every action has a consequence, The golden rule (do unto others...), Be generous, See the good in others and focus on that, do not point out any "bad," See others as your equals, Do not give into anger. Of course there are also great differences... Peace. :)

Answer 3

Looks like I have to be the devil's advocate here... so to speak.

Buddhism and Christianity are different and incompatible in this one important way--- (I am a Christian but have a masters degree in Mahayana Buddhism. My professor agrees with me on the following point)

Buddhism teaches that you can attain enlightenment on your own, by your own effort, just as the Buddha did. He was not a god when he sat under the Bodhi tree and realized sunyata, or emptiness. For Buddhists (well, most of them), they look up to the Buddha as an example, a model of how to leave the cycle of reincarnation and reach nirvana. They do not expect the Buddha to actually "save" them from this world of suffering. He "points the way," but the Buddhists have to do all the work on their own.

Now, for the Christians, it's quite different. Jesus says that we cannot mend our broken relationship with the Father unless it is through believing that Jesus is the son of God. It is ONLY through the salvation that Jesus provides can we reach our "nirvana." Paul tells us over and over again that "work" alone (good deeds, being nice to others, etc.) will not get you in heaven. We are simply "justified by faith."

After studying Buddhism for quite a while, I also see that there are many good moral teachings in Buddhism that even Christians should live by. But in the end, the question is, what do you believe is the way to salvation? Through your own efforts (Buddhism)? Or through Jesus' blood?

Answer 4

Buddhism embraces the diversity of other religions but it depends on what you want. If you want to focus on dogma like original sin, miracles and Christ's divinity then forget about Buddhism. If on the other hand you appreciate Christ's moral teachings, his compassion and tolerance then you won't have many problems accepting Buddhist principles. Remember Buddhism isn't founded on a set of theological doctrines-it is only a means of living and attaining inner peace and the believer can accept whatever tenets he is comfortable with.

Answer 5

Read the book Going Home by Thich Nhat Hanh. He compares Buddha and Christ as brothers, and suggests that Christianity and Buddhism are, in fact, very compatible, and that one can certainly be a Christian and a Buddhist.

Answer 6

Beautiful question mate,

Buddha and Christ are compatible. Both were very enlightened beings sent to this Earth to provide guidance to the rest of humankind.

If you are open-mnded and accept things with an open heart, not a closed mind, then you will see that the messages of Buddha and Christ are very similar.

Do not let the biases and spited teachings of people affect your judgement on this issue.

The root of their teachings is love, peace, and self-awareness. Nothing more, nothing less.

Everything else is human embellishment and manipulation. Since your are already a believer in Christ I take it, then open your heart to the teachings of Buddha. You will become even more well-rounded of an individual and find your true path.

Blessed Be.

Answer 7

Hi,

Just a few suggestions to further your investigation:

1) Another book by Thich Nhat Hanh
"Living Buddha, Living Christ"
2) Buddhist-Catholic Dialogue at http://www.urbandharma.org/bcdialog/bcd1/buchristdia.html
3) About Thomas Merton
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Merton
4) About Thomas Cleary
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Cleary
5) From another Christian perspective:
http://www.anglicannifcon.org/BuddhistMonk1.htm

May you (and everyone) be happy and with peace. :-)

Answer 8

Christians think that they are right and everything else is wrong so they are not likely to approve of what you are considering.

Personally I think the idea that any one way is the only possible right way sounds like nonsense.

Follow you heart and you will be fine. Don't let anyone scare you into believing anything with threats of damnation and hellfire. This foolishness is about control, not religion.

Love and blessings Don

Answer 9

Buddha's path to GOD was knowledge,jesus's path was LOVE,Christianity has its roots in the much misunderstood hindu vedas,as does buddhism and islam. if you study buddha you will see that what i've said is true. Buddha will make you a better christain if that is what you wish. Follow your path,ignore others opinions.in the end you will find all paths lead to "GOD DWELLS WITHIN YOU AS YOU" AWAKE TO THIS FACT'

Answer 10

I agree that buddhist's philosophies are great. As an atheist I probably don't have the right answer for you but as a person I believe you can believe in whatever you want without the fear of being judge.