I have been a very convinced evangelical Christian for 35 years and now have strong issues of conscience over the subjects of the exclusitivity of Christ (i.e. the Only Way to Heaven, etc.) and Hell (the eternal torment aspect of it). As I look at Buddhism, I see strong similarities to Christianity in the cultivation of the exact same virtues of love, joy and peace. Just very different concepts on the person and plan of God. Has anyone else out there made the same journey that I seem to be embarking on?
2006-11-13 02:16:32 · 8 answers · asked by Hesed 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I was raised in a very conservative Southern Baptist home. I wouldn't call myself a Buddhist, but I have much respect for many of the Buddha's teachings. Of all of the world's major religions, Buddhism would be closest to what I think is the truth.
As I got older, and met new people of different faiths and religions, I realized that all of the things I had always assumed may not be true. Two of my best friends in high school were Muslims, and it became very difficult to me to believe that they were destined for hell simply because they did not have the Christian faith.
The real reason they believed what they did is because they were born in Pakistan and in Bangladesh. Environment was the reason they believed what they did, and it became clear to me that the same was true of myself.
This caused me to question everything I had been taught, and to see it from a different angle, outside of the assumption that Southern Baptist was inherently the correct faith. The more I did, the more absurd dogmatic Christianity appeared. Christianity, in the form that I was taught, appeared to be a self-righteous, narrow-minded, and close minded system. This was so much so that many Christians still do not accept things like evolution. This further proved to me that the dogmatic form of religion(s) are based far more on ignorance, and a lack of education. Religions are a way of explaining things which people do not truly understand, and by that they are a great comfort. This is why people believe in them so strongly. However, the problem I faced with Christians is their pigheadness. I was always told in Church that it was good and healthy to ask questions, and yet when I did, I faced a horrible backlash, some people even calling me crazy. Was this the kind of world Jesus intended? Of course not.
I began looking at many religions, and buddhism does seem to be the truest. This is because unlike all other religions, true buddhism assumes that it knows nothing, and can henceforth explain nothing. That is not to say it is lazy; far from it. Buddhism rather takes the position of understanding that we are part of a system, and that we are to do our best in every regard simply because that is being part of nature. Buddhism's main point is to find peace within yourself, and the world around you, not simply to reconcile old 'sins' via some outside force.
When your soul is a peace, it will find where it needs to go, whether in this life or the next.
Of course, there are many forms of Buddhism, but I find the truest form to be the least dogmatic. Even the Dali Lama does not believe in homosexuality. While I am not a homosexual myself, I would still differ with him at this point. I believe true Buddhism is only about finding peace. If you find peace within, you'll have peace without.
Hope this helps. :)
2006-11-13 02:33:00 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yes. I was 'saved' at 7 years old and went to a Christian high school. It was evangelical in nature. I married and was a member of The Brethren church (branch of Anabaptists like Amish, Mennonites) and a member of the Methodist church as well. During a serious chronic illness I was so depressed and stumbled upon Buddhism on-line. It made more sense to me than anything else I have ever heard so I started studying. It has turned my life around because I had to completely rework how I saw everything. And yes the precepts are similar to the Christian ones.
I carry Christianity with me but consider myself Buddhist now. I have never been happier and also, my illness is under control.
It is a wonderful journey and I wish you the best on your journey. PEACE!
2006-11-13 02:23:40 · answer #2 · answered by a_delphic_oracle 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I went through the getting saved, attending church and bible studies activity for about 5 of years . Served in that Charismatic church for 2 years as a peer counsellor... but i now attend Buddhist studies and consider myself a Buddhist with a healthy respect for Christianity.
The virtues which you speak off can be found in the book of Galatians chapter 5 where it states "The fruit of the Spirit"... seek wisely, do no rush your decision, do not let the badgering of others instill fear into your heart... Spirituality should NEVER be about Fear and Threats, look for the similar beautiful teachings in both faiths and let your heart and soul tell you where your path is supposed to lead.
I went thru 2 of years of Soul searching over this and am now at peace with the decision I have made. Good luck... and be at peace
2006-11-13 02:27:21 · answer #3 · answered by Tenzin 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I've found many Buddhist teachings to be very helpful in my walk with Christ, as well as Taoist teachings.
Neither have a specific 'Savior,' so no one is trying to replace Jesus. Both actually claim to know 'nothing,' they merely suggest a way to attain enlightenment, or to 'know' The Ultimate (re: God).
I consider myself a Christian Taoist, but my views have a heavy flavoring of Buddhism, too.
2006-11-13 17:48:55 · answer #4 · answered by colleen s 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
faith does not do it. faith consistent with se has no potential by any potential. it is human beings and the techniques we make in our minds - approximately the thank you to think of and act in the direction of one yet another and extra importantIy, in my view, no rely if or not and how we pick to apply the potential of browbeating somebody, no rely how subtly cloaked with 'righteous concern'. human beings verify how 'faith' is accomplished on a real looking every day foundation. So it is my responsiblity besides as each and every physique else's to somewhat stay mentally conscious alert sparkling and related all day long, and to not crucify every physique in my ideas, ever lower back - not myself, and no person else. it is not this form of not undemanding concern to do, there is merely an prolonged-status habit of humankind doing the different, status in between, so it feels like its huge and not undemanding, despite the fact that it is not. merely takes a gentle shift in concentration. And the extra shifting of concentration lower back onto what's sturdy, and genuine, and loving, etc. , then wager what's going to start to bubble up from interior your middle - exhilaration and peace and therein you would be content fabric. thank you for the Q :)
2016-10-17 05:33:25 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do no evil,do good and purify your mind ,this is the essence of the Buddha teaching.The first two you will find it in all religions.The third one is what differentiate buddhism from other religions.How to purify the mind?Answer:The four nobles truth!
2006-11-13 02:27:01 · answer #6 · answered by Anger eating demon 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Would you be interested in hearing from a Catholic-***-Buddhist?
2006-11-13 02:18:33 · answer #7 · answered by wildheavenfarm 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I'm an evangelical Christian and could never be suckered in to that KNOWING THE TRUTH!
2006-11-13 02:22:21 · answer #8 · answered by Red neck 7 · 0⤊ 5⤋