Catholic & Buddhist?

Question

Can one be a baptized and confirmed Catholic and still believe in most Buddhist teachings such as reincarnation, nirvana and karma?

Answer 1

Not really.

Catholics do not believe in reincarnation and therefore karma affecting future lives would not make sense.

In fact, the concept of forgiveness of sin is completely against the concept of karma.

Buddhism is actually an atheistic religion and their version of heaven, nirvana, is nothing like the Judeo-Christian concept of heaven.

Just as it is appointed that human beings die once, and after this the judgment ... (Hebrews 9:27)

Catholics and most other Christians believe there is no "reincarnation" after death.

Death is the end of man's earthly pilgrimage, of the time of grace and mercy which God offers him so as to work out his earthly life in keeping with the divine plan, and to decide his ultimate destiny. When "the single course of our earthly life" is completed, we shall not return to other earthly lives.

With love in Christ.

Answer 2

Absolutely, you can be a catholic or anything else for that matter and be a buddhist as well. Buddhist teachings are not counter to Catholic teachings..each stand very well side by side with one another, buddhism teaches tolerance and respect of not only other religions but of other peoples and cultures. Pick up the Dali Llama's book, The Art of Happiness at Work, or any of his books, he doesnt try to get you to be a convert to anything, just states some simple idea's on how to get along with others, and make the most of yourself...not of everyone else. As to the question of heaven, and reincarnation...to each his own in idea's, believe what you find reasonable and are comfortable with. From my personal point of view, as a former Catholic, I always had problems with the heaven and hell thing, most people are not hopelessly bad, so the second chance seems more plausible to me, a do-over to get it right instead of the straight to hell for you. But I do look at it this way...bury me with a Snicker's Bar, cause I might not be going anywhere for awhile...Take Care.

Answer 3

No. If you are going to go, go all the way. Besides a true Buddhist does nothing and for all practical purposes is dead. A Christian, Jew, Catholic, and even a Muslim at least acts on principal. To be Buddhist and Catholic is a juxtaposition. Opposing teachings, one inspires you to humble excellence and the other persuades you to have no effect at all. Nirvana is reached by total introversion while Holiness is achieved by pro-activity.

Answer 4

A confirmed catholic that believe in his religion will stay believing even though exploring a buddhist religion but perhaps not yet believing. Some religion only wants knowledge of what other religion is all about.

Answer 5

actually yes, u will not be punished for ur sins in this life as a catholic ,can be pordened, then is ur reincarnation a new life , again commit something ,go for forgivenes ,,reincarnate live a new life ,,do the same thing again or lead the life of ur own as catholic, that is nirvana the state u achieve by not being affected by anything, that is ur karma, ur bound to do what u can being a human ,wether u control ur feelings or action. that is buddism .all the same,,

Answer 6

I would say no on the confirmation part, but you can still attend church for some prayer services and later stop by the temple for silent meditation to clear your head...I think GOD who is all knowing is not as petty and discriminating as a lot of his followers would like you to believe he is.

Answer 7

I do, so it must be happening to others. Raised a Catholic, graduated from Catholic school ---tired of the guilt and negativity so looked around and Viola! Buddhism ---peaceful and positive, just right for me!

Answer 8

Buddhists teachings have no problem with their followers having other beliefs. That does not work with Catholicism though, atleast to my knowledge.

Answer 9

NO, buddhism lacks Christ's sacrifice which is the cornerstone of the christian faith. Christ died for our sins, so we could spend eternity with him if we believe and teaches that we don't reincarnate over and over again like buddhism teaches.

Answer 10

Native American!!!!










Wahoo!!!