Can a buddhist person go to church?

Question

I mean seriously! My friend says i can't go to his church because im buddhist and that really pisses me off. My dad is also buddhist and he went to church. He says that it doesn't matter what i believen or where i go to pray as long as i am learning something good. Don't you think this is unfair for me to visit his church? I know you pray and stuff, i have prayed to god before and everything else. Plus i've always wanted visit a church, seee what its like and stuff.

Answer 1

Oh come on!I am also a Buddhist!I have gone to Christian churches,Hindu temples.That is OK,no problems!
Because it could make you know more about different religions and also make you know Buddhism is the best,the most merciful,the most peaceful and the easiest religion!
Take care my Buddhist friends!

Answer 2

Converting people is such an important part of christianity, I think that he fears the members of his church would look down on him because he hasn't successfully converted you yet. Also, many christians (not ALL, but many) believe that if you follow any path besides christianity that you are "in league with the devil" and his fellow church members might think its a bad idea for him to be hanging out with you.

After reading and answering your other question, I think that he wants a success story -- I think he wants to bring you to his church as a soul won for Jesus, not as his buddhist friend who just wants to check the place out.

I'm not buddhist, but if I were in the practice of meditating, a christian church probably wouldn't be my place of preference. After all, how can you focus on peace when surrounded by all the "negative energy" of the people who think you're destined for hell? However, if you really want to experience church, just choose one and go. Its not like an exclusive club, you don't have to know someone to be able to get in.

Basically, I think your friend is more worried about how your religion reflects on him as a christian -- he's caught between knowing that you are a good person and friend and being taught that you can't be either of those things because you haven't accepted Jesus as your "savior".

Answer 3

Please just go. Do what you feel is right for you. I personally think everyone should find a good church regardless. It took me forever and lots of trials and judgemental people, but I persevered and am sooo happy and all that my hubby is better going to church too.

So I don't really know why your personal beliefs would keep you from entering a church unless it is your own two feet!

At the same time it is hard to not judge, so I would be pissed too, but try not to let that alone effect anything. It just doesn't make sense to me a Christian discouraging someone like that, it is very unchristian-like, but again who am I to judge.

Remember there are lots of people out there, and churches, and "religions" If you don't agree with one or it just doesn't feel right and comfortable, try another and another until you belong, and you will find your way.

Remember you don't have to go to church to pray and you don't have to go to church to believe, even the devil believes!

Answer 4

I have Buddhist and Hindu friends who go to the Catholic Church that I used to go to before I moved. The church is open in the daytime and in the quiet prayerful atmosphere many people like to pray or meditate. Some also like to go to Catholic or Anglican High Masses or to Eastern Orthodox Churches because of the art ,singing,incense and rituals.
I think most Christian groups would be happy to have you as a visitor. I have visited Buddhist temples but i have never been to a service.
Taking Communion is a different story. Catholics, Orthodox ,Missouri Synod and Wisconsin Synod Lutherans and some other groups have Communion only for members in good standing except for a few exceptions. Most Christian groups,but not all, restrict taking Communion to baptized Christians.
Have you ever watched a Christian service on TV or listened to one on the radio? Doing such might be a good and comfortable introduction because you can turn it off if and whenever you feel like it. I think your interest in other religions is a good thing.

Answer 5

Your Friend is not a real christian if he says you can not visit his church, he must not know of the right hand of fellowship you can go to any church because you are a child of god regardless if you are a Buddhist you want to see how the different religions worship that is your choice and if he is your friend he is not looking at what you like and judging you WHO IS HE TO PASS A JUDGMENT.

Answer 6

Your question should be like this ...
Are Buddhist Welcomed to most Church ?

we all know what Buddhist can go anywhere to seek enlightenment.
But if the Mosque doesn't allow a buddhist to enter , who is to blame ? the buddhist for obeying ?

your friend might be right ..... only and only if becuz her church doesn't like others (faith) to be there.

However, they might have forgotten that if they don't open their doors to share their believes ... they are Stupid because who would want to be a Christian than if there is no one to guide them and teach them about christianity ??

Answer 7

I in simple terms spent 3 days with a 60 365 days previous caucasian cracker from south Florida that's a Tibetan Buddhist and is going to the Dharma middle 3 days a week. considered one of the two lamas is a caucasian woman.

Answer 8

There's nothing preventing you from visiting a church. In fact, I would guess that most churches encourage people of other faiths to visit and learn about the church. I think your friend is being close-minded.

Answer 9

I'm left wondering what kind of bizarre and intolerant church your friend belongs to. Don't give up on the idea of visiting a church service. There are many Christian churches that would be quite happy to have you drop in.

Answer 10

Your 'friend' is an obvious fat liar. If he does that, I suppose he's not sincere enough to be a good friend or should I say... its such a shame that he calls himself a Christian.

I have been a Buddhist all my life and I've celebrated many festivals along with my other friends in their churches. Its not a fuss. CHURCH IS FUN AND THEY WELCOME EVERYONE!

Hope this helps...
Happy Vesaka Puja day, by the way...