My husband and I have a set of friends we invite over regularly. The other day they wanted to talk seriously, which wasn't the problem. They asked how serious we were in our faith and if they could hold us accountable for our actions. I didn't see us doing anything wrong but, obviously they did! I'm a Christian who is searching in my life and find nothing wrong with asking questions. That is the only way to find answers! They also had a problem with the fact that I have a statue of a buddha in my home and thought that maybe I was a hippocrite. (the statue, by the way, is a piece of artwork to me and acts as a candle holder) What was their problem or were they just judging?
2007-03-19 16:56:44 · 13 answers · asked by TPAY 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Just a little note: A statue of Buddha isn't actually worshiped, it is there to remind you of how you want to live your life. I have a bible in my home and that is MY daily reminder of how I want to live MY life. The buddha is just art. And who's to say that all buddhists are wrong in their religion anyways. People all over the world could learn a few things from them.
2007-03-19 17:06:38 · update #1
I also appologize for anyting that offends anyone I never meant to do that, the candle burns in a platform in front of the Buddha and has my full respect, and so does Jesus.
2007-03-19 17:10:49 · update #2
WOW! Sounds like they were being very judgmental. I mean if your actions are making your friends worried about the both of you(drugs,affair etc...) then that's one thing but the budda thing, that's a stretch!(even for me and I'm a pretty Conservative Christian)
It depends on why they were asking and how they came to you.. did they come in love?
next time i would ask them why they are asking, and remember you dont owe them an answer... only GOD can be the judge.
2007-03-19 17:06:31 · answer #1 · answered by allyn h 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a Christian friend once who went to Thailand and was incensed that people prayed to the Buddha idols everywhere. She was wrong, that is hogwash.
So, I can so totally picture Buddha and Christ kicking back and talking shop, can't you? Like Christ might have had a Buddha statue if he could find one in the market. What would Jesus do? What would Buddha do? Laugh at the friends oversensitivity to your own taste in art? Laugh at them because they really just can't help you with *your* spirituality (certainly criticizing isn't helping)?
By the by, you can mix any other religion with Buddhism if that's what you want. Buddhism doesn't provide you with a structured perspective on god so you're free to get that anywhere else you wish. Usually it's the other religion that tends to think in terms like "my way or the highway".
2007-03-20 00:05:51 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They were being judgmental, probably because they do not like your faith or are insecure in their own. It is a very good thing that you search and ask questions... otherwise you will not be able to have a deep and meaningful faith. Buddha was a cool dude whether you think he is a deity or not; he had some good ideas and that is ok to say that he did. If you like your candleholder, keep it. There is no problem with having it there. You have a mature faith, and they do not; perhaps you could explain to them that it is ok to ask questions.
2007-03-20 00:00:43 · answer #3 · answered by Rat 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
well, if you are worhsiping the Buddha in any way, I'd see that as a definite conflict of interest. But if you have the Buddha in your house just as a way of respecting him as a great person, that's not bad. He was a great spiritual leader worthy of the respect of all people. It's the same as being able to love and respect Gandhi even though he was Hindu. He was still an amazing leader and thinker outside of his religion.
2007-03-20 00:04:08 · answer #4 · answered by Tori 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A lot of Christians i have come across seem to be hypocrites i think. Always judging, always butting in, and judging, but that my friend is a sin as well. so I don't understand, the could be right, but at the same time completely wrong for judging, because only God does the judging.
2007-03-20 00:01:18 · answer #5 · answered by Youll See 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
u rock! u have a great attitude and belief! It is SOOO not wrong to ask questions! It helps improve our learning everyday. And it is DEFENITLY not wrong 2 own what u have and want. Either help them have a better attitude and support for u, or like the other person said, get new friends! u shouldn't have 2 deal w/ that!
2007-03-20 00:14:26 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a Buddhist (that's right, it gets capital letters like Christian), should I use a crucifix as a candle holder? Your friends are being consistent in their belief (such as it is), and you are not. Sounds like they care for you a great deal.
2007-03-20 00:04:45 · answer #7 · answered by neil s 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like nosy people to me.
When Jesus said judge not lest you be judged, this is what he was talking about. You are not to judge another's walk with God unless you want yours judged the same way.
Everything else we ARE to judge.
Any way, I would ignore them, if not just forget them. Sounds like they are out just to start strife
2007-03-20 00:04:11 · answer #8 · answered by Kye H 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Their job as a Christian is not to be your conscience. If you remove the statue, I have to wonder what other things in your life they will attempt to control.
2007-03-20 00:02:35 · answer #9 · answered by Mr. E 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It was a trick question in the first place. You are held accountable to no-one but God and yourselves.
2007-03-20 00:13:49 · answer #10 · answered by Jazzycat 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋