I'm 14, white, and in a family of christians. I want to be a Buddist, but everyone keeps arguing, pro&con plz

Question

buddism, help

Answer 1

I don't know how much you know about Buddhism yet, but before you try to argue with your family....learn your facts. This way you can have a good answer for each of the questions that your family will ask. For example, your parents might say something like what Sham said, a common misunderstanding is that Buddha is thought of as a God. When and if your parents say something like this, you can have an intelligent, well-researched answer back. Once your parents see that this is something you've thoroughly researched and still have an interest in, they'll be more receptive to it.

Do a search on yahoo for "what is a buddhist" and you'll find several informative websites to begin educating yourself. Some people look at Buddhism as a religion, while others view it as a philosophy or way of life. Either one that you choose, I'm sure you will find happiness.

Answer 2

well the bottom line is you must base your belief on the truth. Because if Christianity is correct "Jesus I am the way the truth and the light and no man comes to the father but by me" then to error in that could mean the loss of your salvation. But if you believe in other faiths then you just need to be a kind person then your saved. But the question is were can a person Draw the line between who is good and who is evil. If I lie one time does that make me evil. well what about two times or three times maybe 100
or 1000 what man can tell you what is good or evil what if I kill someone do I goto hell.. But what if I really am sorry and want to be forgiving.. again who can draw the line. Know one can the bible says that all men are sinful not one person is diffrent from the other. the only way to detirmain our salvation is the way a person response to God. I just want to leave you with this there is plenty of evidence that the things in the bible are true. I promise you because I like you once said I don't believe but know I do. go figure. But It is your responsibility to find the truth. So many people attack Jesus and all he ever did was heal people and die for the sins of man. Go Figure!! Good Luck With that.....

Answer 3

I went through this quite a bit. First, it is important to remember that Christianity and Buddhism are founded on entirely different principles. It is in matters of recommended behavior that you can see the most similarities (don't kill, don't lie, don't steal, etc.,).

Buddhism recommends that a person learns for themselves, and not to think that "believing something" is the goal. This is so different from what Westerners regard as "Religion" that some people have argued that Buddhism shouldn't be called a religion. One of my teachers used to say that "Buddhism isn't a religion, it is a technique (of meditation) that we practice 'religiously.'

Anyway, experience has taught me that one cannot win or lose an arguement about another person's belief system. Belief systems (by defiinition) can be about anything the person can imagine, and "go by" whatever rules they would like to imagine about it as well. In terms of approaching these people, I decided to learn as much about their faith as possible. The "arguments" became very easy at that point because very few of them actually understand their own faith (the same seems to apply to many Buddhists too, sadly). LEARN AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.

Answer 4

You are in a difficult position I'm afraid. Like so many misguided parents, yours have placed family affection, acceptance and love on the line when it comes to what should be your own PERSONAL spiritual beliefs.

It is not right that parents should emotionally blackmail their children into accepting a certain religion. It only leads to pain, resentment and loss of possible common ground between those you love.

Can you imagine if they would love and accept you what they in turn could learn from your journey into Buddhist philosophies?

Unfortunately some Christians (and Muslims) are so extremist they consider themselves COMPLETE and the ONLY true path to God and every other path evil and those that follow it, infidels.

I am afraid that you may have to "fake" Christianity until you are in a financial and social position to move out on your own and follow your spiritual path.

Answer 5

Buddhism is not a religion. You can be a Buddhist Christian if you choose. Look into it. Maybe that is middle ground to following your heart and appeasing your family, by identifying yourself as both.

I am Buddhist and know quite a few Buddhists that also identify with a particular religion. Honestly, most do not as they don't feel a need for religion, but there are some that don't let go of their religious past.

As a Buddhist I know of zero cons to this way of life aside from occasional criticism from those that mistake it for religion and aggressively debate that we are wrong for adhering to our beliefs.

Answer 6

I am a christian because my parents happened to be christians and so my being a christian is not a matter of choice but because I was born into it. Honestly, I could have been a muslim or hindu or buddhist etc if my parents were one. I therefore see religion as a bodily religion and a way of life. The truth is that as we go through the many births and deaths(reincarnation) our parents change, our names change and so is our religion and sex and all that..
The religion of God is peace which transcends all religions and don't forget God is not a christian or a muslim or whatever so the choice as to which religion you want to join is simply a question of choice.

Answer 7

When you are young you have to respect your parents and their boundaries, but it shouldn't be unreasonable for you to learn about Buddhism and do some reading and research on an intellectual level. I would try to choose your battles wisely for right now as you will have the rest of your life to puzzle out the spiritual side of life. Ask your parents what is okay for you to do, for example if it's acceptable to them if you continue to go to church while you research Buddhism. If you decide to follow a religion, there isn't much anyone can do to keep you from believing in it. Ultimately, our beliefs are always our own choice and there isn't really much anyone can do to convince us otherwise.

Answer 8

I am a Christian, and I am also a Buddhist. The original teachings of the Buddha was not so much a religion than it was a way of self-discipline. I believe it is better for Sunday School to include the Four Noble Truths.

Answer 9

Well, you're only 14, so I'll forgive you my annoying exacting nature and not correct your spelling...it's Buddhism. Damn, I did it anyway. Ah well.

Just tell them this:

Buddhism is NOT the negation of Christianity, or any religion. Buddhism is 100% compatible with Chirsitianity or most other belief systems. Buddhism is about taking responsibility for yourself, and your life. It is a way of seeing the world through the lense of care for all man kind, something Christ advocated very strongly for. It's about looking at who and what you are, and being realisitic about the world. If anything, this can only bring you CLOSER to God, not farther.

Answer 10

You don't need pros and cons. I could tell you that there is no need for any of it, but you should do what you feel is best. Choose what makes you feel better, not what you are pressured to do. On the other hand, although there is nothing to say that you are doing this, but if you are, you shouldn't rush into something to make yourself feel different/rebellious. Do what you think is right, and you will feel better about yourself later.