Can someone who is Christian also be Buddhist? Or Practice the ways of buddhism?

Question

I am not quite a practicing christian though I believe in the basic principles and beliefs of christianity. However lately, as a result of my father being a Theravada Buddhist (not practicing though), I have been studying more and more about buddhism and really love the concepts and beliefs on how to live everyday life. My problem is, I'm so rooted in christianity that I am torn on whether I can do both or if I'll need to just choose one.

Answer 1

While Buddhism may be more open to include other beliefs, Christianity's theology is not compatible to be mixed with other religions. For example, the idea of monotheism limits you, especially because the Christian God is "jealous."

With Christianity, there is the belief of salvation and original sin, which are not present in Buddhism. The need for Jesus's death and God's elections have no place in Buddhism, especially Theravada. Heaven, Hell, Satan, predestination, the Bible, etc, also do not make sense in a Buddhist content.

However, from a Buddhist perspective, it is okay for you to keep your Christian heritage. For example, you can still read the Bible, but it will no longer be dogma for you. You can also celebrate holidays, and be with your friends and families on religious occasions and rituals (such as church, mass, baptisms, weddings, etc). Your morals probably won't change at all, because the 8 Fold Path are quite compatible with Christianity's rules. Being Buddhist shouldn't interrupt your life. Also, Buddhist writings aren't dogma, so you are free to use your personal experience and reason to discern truth.

I would recommend researching Buddhism, even if you don't chose to follow this path. It will help you become more tolerant of others, especially those with different religious beliefs. It will help you become a more well-rounded person.

Answer 2

Yes, you can; the buddhist side would have no problem with it, but you have to address the christian side. Nobody can prove which side is absolutely right, or even any of it is absolutely right, though many do like to try.

Some christian here distastefully mentioned it as the the act of worshipping a golden statue, but failed to realized that as ridiculous as it sounds, so does worshipping a wooden(or some other material) cross/or fish symbol and a book.

As you can see in all these posts here, each religion thinks that theirs is the 'real deal', so I think your open arms approach is good, and if you feel good about it, why not just try and incorporate what you think is right. This is between you and god anyway, and not a threeway that includes them, god and you.

Plus why not? The history of buddhism is less violent than the other religions. And it doesn't expect you to judge, condemn or prosecute others.
I seldom see buddhist fundies. In fact, many of them are really mild and peaceful. You can't say the same for the other religions, whre their fundies can get really aggressive.

So go ahead, don't let other non-believers of buddhism prevent you from reaching enlightenment and peace.

Good luck.

Answer 3

Last year the National Geographic Magazine had an article about that. It was about how the trend to practicing yoga and zen gardens and other Buddhist practices have become a large trend in the big cities. And in the article is said many Christians are practicing Buddhist. They worship God but mediate, practice the teachings of Buddha. I must admit after reading the article I was more fascinated by the Buddhist philosophy and felt I could use it as a companion to my Catholic beliefs.
So I do believe you can do both.....worship God....and follow the teachings of Buddha.

Answer 4

You can follow many of the prinicples of Buddhism, but Buddhism as a religion contradicts Christianity greatly. Buddhists believe in reincarnation, Buddha clearly remembered, as have many people, parts of past lives through deep meditation.

They do not believe in blind faith; they believe in striving for self and spiritual knowledge. Buddhists also do not judge as Christians do as part of their scripture. Buddhism has some great principles that you can study though, and choose which you agree with.

Buddhists do not worship Buddha as a God, but an example of how to reach enlightenment, as he was the first to become enlightened.

All religion contains some philosophy, but Buddhism is not purely philisophical as many will claim. I think people need to research the difference between the two.

Answer 5

If you are looking at it as a way of life then I guess so- the basic principles are the same- but to be a true Christian- that means really understanding and believing that Jesus is your savior and Messiah, following after Him and making Him lord of your life-
you can live by a basic set of principles that are Christian in nature but that does not make you a Christian- as far as being a true Christian and following Buddhism, you cannot serve two masters- you wil love one and hate the other - to be a Christian you either love the Lord with all of your heart, soul and mind or you don't.

Answer 6

Catholics are not buddhist & do not practice buddhism. I dont know about buddhist eating pancakes. Purpose of pancakes in the catholic 's meditation: The main ingredients used to make these flat cakes are believed to symbolize four crucial elements at Lent: eggs for creation; flour for life; salt for wholesomeness; and milk for purity. Because the Catholic Church forbids the eating of meat and meat products every Friday during Lent, and because Catholics are required to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, it became common to make Fat Tuesday a day of feasting and celebration.

Answer 7

Some parts of it conflict with basic Christian beliefs (such as what happens after death) but many of the simple "how be a good person everyday" teachings are the same or at least have no conflict.

I personally try to apply every good thing that doesn't conflict with my core beliefs into my life. I don't think there's anything wrong with that.

Answer 8

In my opinion you should live your life by the beliefs that work for you. Whether you decide to be Christian, Buddhist or 'Buddtian', just live well and be happy. Don't be afraid to live your life in a manner that works for you and gives you peace. If you are doing no harm to others surely no God or religious figure worth a sh!t would grudge you this?


Karma.
x

Answer 9

Buddhism is more of a philosophy than a faith in God or gods. Im a Christian but I love many aspects of Buddhism, I think they can be practiced together. Though Buddhism teaches reincarnation which isnt a Christian concept, other aspects are, peace is a goal to be coveted, life is valuable... you can do these things and follow Christ too.

Answer 10

You don't have to choose one. As long as there is no contradiction, its ok! As I understand Theravada Buddhism is non-theistic, so its not like you are going to substitute Jesus for someone else. Try to make your own opinion rather than taking ready made "packages" that may not suite your life needs. My advice: don't choose the package that doesn't suite your need, do what makes you a better person rather than what people want you to be. No one cares about you as much as your own.