who is possibly interested in incorpoating Buddhism into her Christian beliefs? She is elderly and still a devout Christian, but has recently become interested in Buddha. She has bought herself two figurines of Buddha for herself, two for me, one for one of her sons, and mentioned to another of her sons that she feels like she should give him one of hers, since she has two. She hasn't done anything else with this new interest so far, but I don't know if this is the limit on her interest, or if she just has no way of learning more.
2007-03-21 12:11:50 · 28 answers · asked by rebekkah hot as the sun 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I feel I should point out I am neither Christian nor Buddhist.
2007-03-21 12:13:24 · update #1
In response to shemayramble: Yes, you do ramble. Don't accuse me of being a liar, if you don't like someone else being open-minded about religion, go cry somewhere else.
2007-03-21 17:16:56 · update #2
Start by just asking her if she wants to learn more...just in a casual conversation and see what she says. I would say no until you know if she does want to learn more. You say that she "possibly" wants to know more. I'm a Christian and I at one time had a statue of Buddha, although I never had any interest in Buddhism itself.
2007-03-21 12:16:36 · answer #1 · answered by First Lady 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Well Buddha figurines has become quite a fashion trend for a few years now, but it doesn't necessarily means the person is practicing buddhism. But if she indeed has an interest in the religion, why not? Otherwise, I don't think you should do it, cos some people would get upset or offended.
2007-03-21 19:31:15 · answer #2 · answered by Hanna 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
If she has expressed that much interest in Buddhism, I don't see why not, Buddhism doesn't negate other religions.
Egads, I can't believe all these people who are saying if a woman her age is interested in Buddhism, then it must be that she's senile, what excuse if she were only 40? sheesh.
Sounds to me like she's hangin on to her marbles just fine.
You know, alot of people just look on Buddha figures as a lucky charm, if you give her the book she will know more about it than that.
2007-03-21 19:26:36 · answer #3 · answered by beatlefan 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If she is buying herself Buddha figurines she is not a Christian. Maybe she just fancies pieces of beliefs and religions? A Buddha figurine is an idol and God detests any other before Him.
Buddhism is false hope, please don't instil it in anyone...especially an elderly lady. She cannot be devout if she is getting idols, that's a contridiction.
I think you are making this all up.
2007-03-22 00:10:37 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Sure, if you feel the desire to give her a book on Buddhism you go right ahead. Many Christians may say that a Christian should only read Christian things, but I know we can learn from all religions. If adding elements of Buddhism to her life helps to strengthen her faith, that's just awesome. Blessings in the Light of Christ!
2007-03-21 19:16:22 · answer #5 · answered by Guvo 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋
You can't blend religions. To try to would be a disaster. The general ideals in Buddhism are the same as in Christianity. So what is there to incorporate? If she's just handing out little statues and not devoting time to prayer then I don't really think a book will help.
I can only assume she's Protestant. Aside of our Anglican friends, I don't know of any other Protestants with a monastic aspect. She may be missing that. I don't know.
2007-03-21 19:35:45 · answer #6 · answered by Max Marie, OFS 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Yes, I think that would be a very nice thing to do. It wouldn't be like you were pushing anything on her, since she developed the interest herself. And Buddhism has many great teachings that can really help one to deal with suffering and to live a better life. I think it would be a wonderful gift for her.
2007-03-21 19:20:12 · answer #7 · answered by Heron By The Sea 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I think it's a great idea. I believe it's very important for people to know as much about every different religion as they can before Choosing Their Own. It's very encouraging to see a christian willing to take on other beliefs. I prefer to call myself spiritual rather than religious. I think religion has done more harm than good for the world, and kept people divided for centuries.
2007-03-21 19:28:43 · answer #8 · answered by AussieRocker27 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
early Buddhism, as it originated in India, is a philosophy
latter Buddhism became a religion with a LOT of 'extra stuff'
if you are gonna give a book, choose the Damapada or similar early work
2007-03-21 19:19:58 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
If she's expressed interest in it, then there's no harm in it. It sounds like she would enjoy learning more about Buddhism.
2007-03-21 19:15:39 · answer #10 · answered by greecevaca 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋