IF you think so. How
2007-11-15 14:12:02 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Buddhism is not a religion in my opinion.
I suppose it is a matter of perception but most Buddhists do not consider it a religion. If others do, then that is their truth, not mine as a practicing Buddhist.
I really don't mind if others view it as a religion. It's not an insult in any way but I think it could be misleading to make that correlation because then we are mistaken as Atheists for not addressing the issue of god. That is the purpose of religion ~ not Buddhism. Contrary to popular misunderstanding we do not worship statues or the original Buddha. He is the founder of Buddhism and recorded his teachings in sutras, but he is not someone we worship.
Some Buddhists believe in god, others do not and some are unsure of the existence of god. We can't be lumped into any one group ~ theist, atheist, agnostic ~ because, again, Buddhism does not address god.
2007-11-15 14:18:23 · answer #1 · answered by Peace Yo 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Buddhism is probably the only religion I could actually identify with...if I actually had to choose. But to answer, it is more of a religion than any of those organized religions out there....Simply because Buddhism can actually trace back to a REAL person they believe as a higher power...I don't think they have found evidence there is a Jesus...God, Virgin Mary....Unless something crazy happened today I didn't hear about. lol....There are actual, original writings from Buddha, not just a "bible" that interprets, what some guy thought about what Jesus might have said hundreds or thousands of years before...hhhmmm
2007-11-15 14:25:16 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definition 4 or 5 would apply.
It's called a dictionary. Use it!
re·li·gion (r-ljn) KEY
NOUN:
1.Belief in and reverence for a supernatural power or powers regarded as creator and governor of the universe.
2.A personal or institutionalized system grounded in such belief and worship.
3.The life or condition of a person in a religious order.
4.A set of beliefs, values, and practices based on the teachings of a spiritual leader.
5.A cause, principle, or activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion.
2007-11-15 14:18:10 · answer #3 · answered by dddbbb 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is not a religion, it is a way of life and is based on the teachings of Buddah (who really existed) I am an atheist buddist, I should know. It is not that Buddah is worshiped, his teachings are what is studied. Besides, Buddists take their own path in life and follow no set path, unlike Christians who beleive that there is only ONE path, and ONE god and ONE this and ONE that....
2007-11-15 14:18:46 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
look up the definition of religion and you will find it fills the bill whether one the theistic forms or not ... small world to a frog in a well is it not.
2007-11-15 14:17:30 · answer #5 · answered by dogpatch USA 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A religion is about works. Trying to do something to please God. God has given us salvation because the Lord Jesus Christ died for our sin. It is a free gift without works. Ephesians 2: 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Ephesians 2: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
2007-11-15 14:22:29 · answer #6 · answered by Ray W 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
They worship Buddha who is, in their eyes, a higher being! A question for you is how is it, in your eyes, not a religion?
2007-11-15 14:22:08 · answer #7 · answered by Chris B 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Buddhism is a full-fledged religion.
2007-11-15 14:19:46 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
how is any other religion considered a religion?
2007-11-15 14:15:56 · answer #9 · answered by ur a Dee Dee Dee 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Because they worship a higher being.
2007-11-15 14:15:22 · answer #10 · answered by Darth Nihilus 5 · 2⤊ 2⤋