What is wrong with a Christian reading books about Zen or other eastern sources for insight?

Question

Why do Chrisitans for the most part tend to be completely closed minded when it comes to eastern insight. Thomas Merton one of the most brilliant Christian minds of the 20th century found Zen and Taoist thought very useful. So what is the problem with looking at other world views?

I did note for the most part. I didn't mean to broad brush everyone but I do feel that the % of Christians who are opposed to looking at other world views is too low. I don't have any research to back me up just subjective observation

Answer 1

Nothing...I think it can be helpful for Christians to learn about other religions/ points of view.

Answer 2

There's nothing wrong with studying other ways of thought. Read all the books you want!
Ravi Zacharias, a former Hindi and now a Christian pastor has some fabulous books on Eastern thought and how they relate to or are opposed to Christian thought.

Read!
It increases your vocabulary.
Read!
It gives you a better perspective.
Read!
It makes you smarter!

It's when we start mixing belief systems and treating religion like a Sunday buffet that we are danger. Read anything you wish, but know that the Word of God is eternal.

Answer 3

Philippians 4:8 says in part to continue considering things that are righteous and praiseworthy, as a Christian do you believe that those subjects you mentioned fall into that category? If not, then that is something you can consider when making your decision. Also a good scripture to consider is 1 Corinthians 15:33 which says "Do not be misled. Bad associations spoil useful habits." It is a simple law of human nature. If we regularly associate with through friends or through entertainment with whose morals and standards are not what we know to be righteous as Christians, the Bible clearly tells us without a doubt that our own habits will suffer. In view of this a Christian avoids entertainment that borders on magic, witchcraft, spiritism and similar encounters with the supernatural, along with all entertainment that promotes practices the Bible condemns. —Leviticus 19:26, 31; Deuteronomy 18:10-12. One last thing to consider is the account in Acts 19:19 from the first century where a group of “magical arts” devotees in Ephesus responded to the Christian message by publicly burning their books of magic. These books were worth quite a bit of money but in view of the truths they had just learned they felt that God disapproved of such practices. Likewise, we all should use our “power of reason” to determine if we are in harmony with the “will of God” so as to be acceptable to God. (Romans 12:1, 2)

Answer 4

Remember that your mind is the Enemy’s battleground. Many false doctrines effectively draw millions of people because they hook the mind. Remember how the Enemy deceived Eve through words – even when she was a perfect human being. Deceptions are deceptions because they SEEM good, but they’re mixed with poison. Thomas Merton does have a brilliant mind, but not all that he says are considered Biblical. And not all Christians are close-minded to eastern insight. Many explore into the area, but to discern them, not necessarily to follow them. But this kind of work should not be attempted by everyone, but only by those who are specifically called to explore in them. If you’re called to go into it, then by all means you should. But I’d make sure God’s the One who’s leading me, not a deceiving spirit that’s trying to hook you. I encourage you pray until you’re definitely sure. If you find that it is God’s leading, be sure to have a lot of prayer backup by fellow believers. You would need constant support. God bless.

Answer 5

Why are you lumping all Christians in the same catergory? I find it fascinating to read about other people, other religions, points of view. I'm very grounded in my Christian faith, but I am also taught to love thy neighbor, and part of loving my neighbor is to try to get to know them, to truly try to understand where there coming from and why. I caution you about calling a group that consists of billions of people (1.1 billion Catholics alone) closeminded. It may make you sound the same.

Answer 6

You are painting Christians with a broad brush.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with reading about all forms of spiritual seeking and the vast majority of Christians, both clergy and layman, do.

Answer 7

I don't see a problem with having an open mind. As long as it doesn't contradict my beliefs.

Not all Christians are hypocritical, close minded, gay bashing, Love God Hate Everyone else Freaks!

Answer 8

Perhaps they are insecure in their own beliefs and do not want to read or hear something that may contradict or cause them to examine those beliefs. I believe if you are not secure enough in your beliefs to be able to question those beliefs or seek other sources of understanding, then your faith is not strong.

Answer 9

the problem is that you're looking for the worlds views and not God's. Why should you seek another religion who serves a dead God about the True and Living God?

Answer 10

In general, most find that other religions contradict and challenge the beliefs that have been taught... it challenges them to question the faith that they hold dear and that is fearful... I assume.