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Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 10/21/2008 2:29:07 PM
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eaglesfeather
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I'm Christian, but I study traditional Buddhist philosophy out of general interest.
I realize that within Buddhism it has branched off into several religionized denominations as Christianity did, but I think the founding principles may not contradict Christianity. I see Buddhism as mainly addressing human psychology in a very effective way and not as a religion.
I'll leave it at that and pray for some educated input. Thanks!
< Message edited by eaglesfeather -- 10/22/2008 12:04:14 PM >
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 10/21/2008 3:43:10 PM
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Kat_D
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If I know the Truth I have no need to study a lie.
"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." -John 14:6
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"...And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes...no more death, sorrow, nor crying."
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 10/21/2008 4:07:54 PM
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Wild-Rose
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What does Buddhism teach about sin? How does a person seek forgiveness or redemption for sin? Is that even necessary?
Christians believe that we MUST accept Jesus as our savior for the forgiveness of sin, so surely there is a contradiction there, right?
Secondly, if I am not mistaken, in Buddhism you seek wisdom, compassion, etc through your own power. In Christianity we receive what we need from God. It would be foolish to rely on our own "wisdom".
And what about reincarnation? Is that a Buddhist belief? How does that compare to Christianity?
So my answer is that I think Buddhism contradicts Christianity on many levels.
_____________________________
Wild-Rose
Rejoice that your name is written in heaven. Luke 10:20
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 10/21/2008 4:10:05 PM
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SavedByGraceMD
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quote:
ORIGINAL: eaglesfeather
I'm Christian, but I study traditional Buddhist philosophy out of general interest.
I realize that within Buddhism it has branched off into several religionized denominations as Christianity did, but I think the founding principles may not contradict Christianity. I seem Buddhism as mainly addressing human psychology in a very effective way and not as a religion.
I'll leave it at that and pray for some educated input. Thanks!
Maybe you can point out some areas you want to discuss compared to Christianity. I don't know much of what Buddhism has to say. I do reject with absolute certainty the idea of reincarnation though. We are told this in the bible in Hebrews
And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment(9:27 NKJV)
Unless you want to try to say that our judgment can mean that we come back as a snail or as a prince. Which again I would not agree with.
But it would help if you gave us points to talk about.
_____________________________
Isaiah 41:10
"Fear not for I am with you,
Do not be dismayed for I am your God,
I will strengthen you and help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand"
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 10/21/2008 7:53:32 PM
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kingdust
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In Buddhism, there is no absolute entity, meaning that nothing is absolute but relative.
So, there could be no absolute truth to teach and believe.
Basically, what it teaches is nothing more than the human philosophy, wisdom, belief, tradition, etc.
Since no absolute entity, no one can make anything taught to come true.
Even Buddha himself told his disciples to find their own way, when they asked him where he was going at his death bed.
A lot of its teachings are very similar to the proverbs of Solomon.
Main theme of the Buddhist's is vanity just like Solomon said; vanity, vanity, vanity is life...
That is why it teaches the followers to empty themselves out to the point of becoming 'NOTHING' which is their ultimate goal for their enlightenment.
Yes, Christianity teaches to empty self to become nothing, but not to stay empty and live as nothing which is impossible for a living being to stay empty and continue to live , but to be refilled something that is not of self but of God.
What similarity is there between Buddhism and Christianity?
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I am an English as Second Language person and love corrections, kind or unkind, positive or negative, with love or without love, which I am grateful of. Just GIVE!
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 10/22/2008 7:33:15 AM
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timf
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but I think the founding principles may not contradict Christianity
There are some similarities that might lead a person to consider if the two systems are compatible. Buddhism recognizes the evil that can come from desire. Christianity considers that our sin nature comes from Adam.
It is when one looks deeper that you begin to see where the two systems are not compatible. Buddhism makes use of meditation to achieve enlightenment and the conquest of desire. Christianity sees no redemption for the human heart other than the transformation from the new life imparted by the Spirit of God when a person places his trust in Jesus.
In Christianity, Jesus is more than a teacher or a man who achieved perfection. Jesus is God become man for the purpose of providing us a way to be brought out of the condemnation that hangs over the heads of everyone in the world. Since our flesh cannot be redeemed, Jesus gives us new life in Himself by His Spirit.
An appeal in Buddhism is that we can achieve enlightenment. Almost every religion except Christianity is based on works (what we do and what we get). While Buddhism sees some of the evil in men's hearts, it still holds on to the hope that with enough effort, man can save himself. Christianity acknowledges that man's best efforts, are not good enough.
Ephesians says that we are saved by faith and not works because with works comes the inclination to boast. Christians should be characterized by humility and gratitude. Unfortunately, many Christians try to turn Christianity into a works based system and cause much confusion.
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 10/22/2008 7:40:39 AM
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URForgiven
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quote:
ORIGINAL: eaglesfeather
I'm Christian, but I study traditional Buddhist philosophy out of general interest.
I realize that within Buddhism it has branched off into several religionized denominations as Christianity did, but I think the founding principles may not contradict Christianity. I seem Buddhism as mainly addressing human psychology in a very effective way and not as a religion.
I'll leave it at that and pray for some educated input. Thanks!
Buddha is dead, Jesus Christ is alive.
Christianity is not based on founding principles, it is based on a living person, Jesus Christ. Because He lives, He can offer us His life, something no other religion can do. Jesus Christ alone saves because Jesus Christ alone has the life we need. The wages of sin is death, the only thing a dead person needs is life.
Peace
_____________________________
"Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit,
are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?" Galatians 3:3
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 10/22/2008 7:56:44 AM
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eaglesfeather
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Kat_D
If I know the Truth I have no need to study a lie.
"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." -John 14:6
What's the lie?
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 10/22/2008 7:58:57 AM
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eaglesfeather
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Wild-Rose
What does Buddhism teach about sin? How does a person seek forgiveness or redemption for sin? Is that even necessary?
Christians believe that we MUST accept Jesus as our savior for the forgiveness of sin, so surely there is a contradiction there, right?
Secondly, if I am not mistaken, in Buddhism you seek wisdom, compassion, etc through your own power. In Christianity we receive what we need from God. It would be foolish to rely on our own "wisdom".
And what about reincarnation? Is that a Buddhist belief? How does that compare to Christianity?
So my answer is that I think Buddhism contradicts Christianity on many levels.
Good thoughts, but like I said. Buddhism has become religionized and I'm trying to focus on the founding principles.
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 10/22/2008 8:18:14 AM
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eaglesfeather
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Kingdust, and TMIF
Thanks, your answers are very interesting and go to the heart of the question with addressing its origin.
Since its origin was 500 years before Christ there were no Christian principles to contridict it at that time. We as Christians know that the only perfection is in Christ and God our father, but I sometimes wonder if God was somehow giving any message through Siddhârtha Gautama in his nation of idol and false god worshipers. Probably not, I know. What was their next best option at that time? Were there representatives in India professing conversion to Judaism?
< Message edited by eaglesfeather -- 10/22/2008 8:24:14 AM >
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 10/22/2008 8:19:25 AM
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RamiRedeemed
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How many founding principles are there? Perhaps you could post a few so we would all know better what you're talking about?
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Others talk because they have to say something.
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 10/22/2008 8:28:39 AM
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eaglesfeather
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quote:
ORIGINAL: URForgiven
quote:
ORIGINAL: eaglesfeather
Buddha is dead, Jesus Christ is alive.
Christianity is not based on founding principles, it is based on a living person, Jesus Christ. Because He lives, He can offer us His life, something no other religion can do. Jesus Christ alone saves because Jesus Christ alone has the life we need. The wages of sin is death, the only thing a dead person needs is life.
Peace
Amen URForgiven!
Siddhârtha Gautama was just a man and often referred to as "The Buddha". He's not considered a god or point of worship in any way.
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 10/22/2008 8:45:53 AM
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eaglesfeather
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quote:
ORIGINAL: RamiRedeemed
How many founding principles are there? Perhaps you could post a few so we would all know better what you're talking about?
I admit, this thread is my attempt at learning from our impressive intellectuals in the forums. They know more than I do. I believe the previous posters (kingdust and timf) were correct in their posts. If you want, you can wiki:
The Four Noble Truths
The Noble Eightfold Path
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 10/22/2008 11:20:10 AM
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bob97
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The problem is eaglesfeather, from a humanistic viewpoint; the truth exists only in our mind…that’s what faith is all about. That’s why the door is narrow.
Bob
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The LORD clears the road for me!
The LORD is my high ridge, my stronghold, my deliverer!
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 10/22/2008 12:16:33 PM
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eaglesfeather
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Kat_D
What's the lie?
Well, if Jesus Christ (Christianity) is the Truth, Buddhism is obviously the lie.
What in Buddhism is a lie? Lets say I'm totally ignorant and don't even know the "obvious" things and start from there so I can learn if you don't mind helping a brother out....
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 10/22/2008 12:31:36 PM
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1love1God1way
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quote:
ORIGINAL: eaglesfeather
quote:
ORIGINAL: Kat_D
What's the lie?
Well, if Jesus Christ (Christianity) is the Truth, Buddhism is obviously the lie.
What in Buddhism is a lie? Lets say I'm totally ignorant and don't even know the "obvious" things and start from there so I can learn if you don't mind helping a brother out....
Well, for starters, Buddhism was started by a fallible man and Christianity was started by an Omnipotent God.
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love.ben
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 10/22/2008 12:39:43 PM
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zoebob
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Buddha taught that there is no ultimate reality. Right there that is a contradiction to CHristianity and everything that flows from it is going to start from that false premise.
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L-R: DD1, Ellies DS2, DD2, Ellies DS1
L-R: Ellies DD1, Ellies DD2, DS, Ellies DS3
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 10/22/2008 12:46:52 PM
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Wild-Rose
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Buddhism teaches that through YOURSELF you can become wise, compassionate, enlightened etc.
That's foolishness. We need Jesus.
_____________________________
Wild-Rose
Rejoice that your name is written in heaven. Luke 10:20
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 10/22/2008 12:48:05 PM
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eaglesfeather
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quote:
ORIGINAL: 1love1God1way
quote:
ORIGINAL: eaglesfeather
quote:
ORIGINAL: Kat_D
What's the lie?
Well, if Jesus Christ (Christianity) is the Truth, Buddhism is obviously the lie.
What in Buddhism is a lie? Lets say I'm totally ignorant and don't even know the "obvious" things and start from there so I can learn if you don't mind helping a brother out....
Well, for starters, Buddhism was started by a fallible man and Christianity was started by an Omnipotent God.
I think one might say that philosophically Buddhism existed as long as the universe and did not need to be created.
If Buddhism was created could God possibly be the creator? Could it have been a good thing that arose in a nation of false gods and idols and no knowledge of the existence of the one and only true God?
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 10/22/2008 12:49:14 PM
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eaglesfeather
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Wild-Rose
Buddhism teaches that through YOURSELF you can become wise, compassionate, enlightened etc.
That's foolishness. We need Jesus.
What did they have in India 500 years before Jesus?
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 10/22/2008 12:52:36 PM
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eaglesfeather
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quote:
ORIGINAL: zoebob
Buddha taught that there is no ultimate reality. Right there that is a contradiction to CHristianity and everything that flows from it is going to start from that false premise.
Siddhârtha Gautama seemed quite aware that he could not know everything and taught his students not to believe anything that seemed false. What were their options in India 500 years before Christ?
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 10/22/2008 12:59:42 PM
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Wild-Rose
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Romans 1:19 For what can be known about God is plain to them because God has shown it to them. Ever since the creation of the world his invisible nature, namely his eternal power and deity has been clearly perceived in the thing that have been made. So they are without excuse. for although they knew God they did not honor him as God or give thinks to him. but they became futile in their thinking and their senseless minds were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became foolish.
_____________________________
Wild-Rose
Rejoice that your name is written in heaven. Luke 10:20
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 10/22/2008 1:11:59 PM
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eaglesfeather
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Wild-Rose
Romans 1:19 For what can be known about God is plain to them because God has shown it to them. Ever since the creation of the world his invisible nature, namely his eternal power and deity has been clearly perceived in the thing that have been made. So they are without excuse. for although they knew God they did not honor him as God or give thinks to him. but they became futile in their thinking and their senseless minds were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became foolish.
Beautiful... I like that verse. Thanks.
But, what "could be known about God" in India 500 years before Christ? I think maybe what could be known; was known and they were seeking "His eternal power and deity"
I believe they never were "Claiming to be wise" but trying to simply accept the truth of God's creation rather than reject it with all the false gods in the nation where they lived. I really am curious if someone was there to hand over the written word of God so they could have less confusing goals to achieve...
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 10/22/2008 1:42:03 PM
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bravjim
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Don't they have make little statues of Buddha and pray to him. Isn't that idolatry? If there is anything that contradicts the word of God, even if similarities exist, it is made to be false doctrine. I think that 1 Cor. chapter 2 is applicable here. I'm not going to take the time to write the entire chapter, which is all applicable to the question posed, but will instead highlight the key verses:
vs. 4And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration fo the Spirit and of power, (5) that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
Buddhism is one such philosophy or "wisdom of man", rather than depending upon the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. It puts men in control, rather than God, of their salvation. There is nothing that man can do to earn their salvation; it is a gift from God. Just as Judaism required men to do works and keep sacrifices, yet it wasn't enough. In the end, the law was meant to teach us that all men are sinners, and there is no way to salvation through our own works. It is only the grace of God that comes from the cross which enables our salvation, and nothing else.
_____________________________
I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfilll the lust of the flesh.
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