I question about those who denounce the Buddhist faith because they claim that it is illogical?

Question

The Buddhist faith is based in logic and understanding. It is not based in supernatural theory but rather in self-understanding and mental exercise. We reject dogma and encourage our followers to question their religion, and also discourage blind faith. We leave the questions concerning the natural world to science. What is illogical about our religion?

"Believe nothing.
No matter where you read it,
Or who said it,
Even if I have said it,
Unless it agrees with your own reason
And your own common sense"
- Siddhartha Gautama -

n0wff: Nirvana is not a realm, Nirvana is a state of mind where we have ended our desire for worldly things.This is not illogical at all, many people have accomplished it...

bhamjeff: Buddhism does allow for discussion, it can be fused with the ideals of many other religions. I have incorporated several Taoist, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and Christian ideals into my beliefs, and if someone can convince me of the virtue in an ideal I will accept it. My beliefs are not written in stone, Buddhism is a living religion that can adapt to its environment. In Japan it has fused with the polytheistic religion of Shinto to form the Rinzai school. It simply confuses me that someone would dismiss my religion without learning of it first. ..

Answer 1

Most people that I speak with about it have problems with the logic of Buddhism because it's a religion without a god. This throws up a 404 error in the average western (read cultural based on an Abrahamic religion) mind. They just don't get how you can have a religion where you don't have a god, where it's required by the religious founder to question and even discard the teaching of the religion's leaders. It's not compatible with an Abrahamic world-view.

It's worse in that so many people are ignorant about Buddhism. They believe it's praying to Buddha and getting to Nirvana = Heavean (not lack of suffering, like it actually means). It doesn't help that some sects of Buddhism do believe in deified Buddhism, but those aren't very large. The Dalai Lama, for example, is often equated to a sort of Buddhist Pope, even though he's not.

A lot of people call Buddhism a philosophy because a religion without gods or descriptions of an afterlife is uncomfortable.

Answer 2

That's a great question.

I'm a Roman Catholic, but do not represent the faith, as I'm not anyone in any proper authority to represent.

I've always learned that there are 3 major "faiths" of the world. Christianity, Judaism and Islam. All others are Philosophies, which require more of an individual direction than a direction from a central "faith" or dogma.

Since this is the case, should it matter what people think of your beliefs? Since your own revelations will reveal the "truths" of the world, why should you consult others?

It's not that Buddhism is "illogical", but that it doesn't allow for true discussion or debate.

What do you think? I don't mean to cut you short, but I don't see any other direction for the debate?

Best to you and your family.

Answer 3

I thank you for your very logical and wise words ,If more people questioned their religion and discouraged blind faith we would be significantly better today .

people are just scared to face the truth ,
it is scary for them to live life without religion .

they don`t realize that it is actually clearer than fallowing a man made book that claims to know it all, i think peace can be found within individually not necessarily through a religion,
it is more real if one find peace ,God ,clarity on his/her own way of understanding.

Answer 4

I agree with you. The Buddhist faith is a logical way to live your life.

Answer 5

Nirvana doesn't exist. To long for an idealistic realm that does not exist is not logical.