Is Zen a contradiction of Christianity?

Question

I had this argument with a friend of mine, we are both Christians and I have no intention of converting.

But I love what the eastern teachings have to offer in life principles, with regard to sanctuary and simplicity, purposeful and meditative actions, and allllll the healing arts like aromatherapy and massage...understanding the mind body spirit connection. It seems to make so much SENSE.

I have no reason as a Christian to think that I wasn't meant to be sensible and I personally don't see the problem but my friend is really worried that I am going to go Buddhist on her and end up in hell. I think she is being pretty narrow minded and her comments actually hurt my feelings a lot.

I'm looking for intelligent answers from people who know something about both teachings???

Wow, such interest, thank you!

I would like to say something that continues to puzzle me about my experience as a Christian.

I find myself surrounded by preachers and teachers who live in fear. I don't know why.

People afraid of ideas, information, and words...warning of this and that, and it seems downright superstitious. And I wonder how living this way can possibly be evidence of faith.

Re: blind faith? I don't know if I would call it that. I am resigned to the idea that I don't have all the answers but someone out there does? So in that way I have faith in God.

Re: concentrating on the needs of the flesh...well, I guess I shouldn't have to eat or shower anymore, since I am so utterly consumed with the spiritual matters of life. If you have a body, you can't NOT address the needs of the body even if it is only a temporary home for your soul.

Answer 1

Since nothing in Zen, or Buddhism in general, is required to be believed or accepted on faith by Buddhist teachings (indeed, there are warnings against accepting it, as truth, on faith), I cannot see anything in Christianity that could be forced to be considered in conflict with Buddhist practice. Certainly nothing in Christianity would prevent you from being or practicing Zen. I've several Christians who practice with us, one is on our board of directors.

If you could site something specific that would be in Zen that Christianity could object to, that would help. If there is a specific sect of Christianity that objects to meditation (which isn't supported by the bible, except by those that strain at gnats), then that would be a problem, given all Buddhist sects use meditation as a practice.

Zen says nothing, for or against, the existence or nature of god, so I can't see that being a problem. Zen doesn't say anything about after death (though many Zen practitioners do accept rebirth, it's not Zen dogma), so I can't see that as a problem.

As far as the term Buddhist goes - it means very little. A close friend considers herself a Christian that practices meditation with us, I consider myself a Buddhist. Since our practice is the same, calling one a Buddhist and the other not doesn't really mean anything.

We have a number of folks that consider themselves both Buddhist and Christian. One of my friends is a Catholic and a Zen Buddhist priest.

Answer 2

When comparing religions, don't look at actions, which are surface level, but look at the core beliefs, how they describe the reality of the universe: how it came to be, how it continues, and what its purposes and end state are. At its core, Buddhism teaches one basic belief system - a Godless naturalistic existence - and Christianity another. Therefore, no matter what surface similarities may be, they are in contradiction to one another.

Now, can you practice some Zen exercises and still believe Christianity? Sure, but be careful. Don't buy into any of the religious underpinnings. Overall, I think you'd be better off sticking with what we are taught from the Bible. It's not a matter of "going Buddhist... and end[ing] up in Hell." If you are a Christian, your destination is not Hell, but glorious eternity with God. It's a question of being obedient to what God has revealed through His word, the Bible.

Personally, I think you'd be better off getting deeper into your faith as a Christian. Get together with solid Christian supporters like your local Campus Crusade group. I think you'll find you have no need for man-made surface religiosity like Zen. (I say this as an ex-Zen Buddhist wanna-be myself, by the way.)

Please contact me personally if you want to talk more.

Answer 3

The central metaphor of Zen is seeking emptiness, Christianity on fullness (with the spirit.) Some have argued that this makes the two beliefs complementary, they address different perspectives on mystical union.
Others argue that this difference renders the two beliefs fundamentally incompatible.
Many Roman Catholics have advocated closer relations between Zen and Catholicism and they are not afraid of winding up in hell.
I think your friend is being narrow-minded. "Christians" which is usually code for the Pentecostal and Evangelical forms are simply too worried about hell. No other Christian denomination shows such concerns.
Hope this helps.

Answer 4

Well, I'm an ex-Catholic and a Tibetan Buddhist now, but I've studied both as well...

First of all, don't take me wrong, but the Buddha said that engaging in argument (especially when it comes to philosophy and logic) shouldn't be done unless there is agreement on basic points of reference. Zen and the version of Christianity that mytholigized Jesus and used the teachings for political gain aren't very much on the same page. There are some similarities but not many. Zen is more similar to the Gnostics.

About your hurt feelings... have compassion for yourself and for your friend. Meditate on the concept that her pov is due to HER causes and conditions in life that lead her to believe what she does, and yours are your causes and conditions. Explain what you can and be at peace with the rest.

Meditation on the concepts of "emptiness" (as Buddhism teaches it, not "nihilism"), impermanence and such and learn to subdue your anger with patience (note I didn't say "get rid of it", which isn't logical). You'll feel a lot better when you do. This concept of meditation helped ME tons with the same things, also Venerable Thubten Chodron's book on "Working With Anger" helped tons too... even though you like Zen, you'll likely get a lot out of her teachings, she uses good Westernized language to explain concepts, if that helps.

_()_

Answer 5

I personally feel that Zen is loosely orgainzed enough that you can take a piece of it, regardless of your religion, and incorporate it into your own religious beliefs without contradiction. In fact, Zen is so vaguely defined that it's still debatable as to whether you can call it a "religion". So I wouldn't necessarily call you a hypocrite for being both a Christian and somebody who finds some helpful principles in Zen.

Answer 6

Buddhism is not a religion, its more of a philosophy about how to live... and the search for truth. In all honesty the only reason that it would not coexist with christianity is because it teaches you to search for truth and natural observence and discounts blind faith... thus you will directly conflicted in that you could never attain the core of what buddhism is... internal discovery, because you rely on external forces.

Answer 7

Zen does not contradict Christianity. Zen is about being in the moment and awake. Zen and Buddhism (or Yoga) is a philosophy and/or science...it does not contradict Christianity. if anything, it help you live Christianity more fully.

~ Eric Putkonen

Answer 8

God encourages meditation, but meditating on His Word and who He is. Most of the items you described deal with the flesh, and Paul makes it clear that the flesh profits nothing. But rather, we need to focus on the needs of the spirit (and I do not mean the metaphysical). The trappings of Eastern Mysticism is just another distraction from what is really important. The Bible says clearly, where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Just a little warning there.

Answer 9

Jesus meditated and used oils to heal. I don't see the problem. It's kind of insulting that your friend thinks that meditating is going to cause you to to lose your beliefs.

Answer 10

Yes, Zen is dead. Christ is NOT dead., If you meet a guy or not
that orders you to mark yourself with his name,. and he convinces you he is a god will you do such a thing?
Refer to anti Christ & mark of beast Rev.