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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 10/27/2008 3:52:16 PM
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SavedByGraceMD
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quote:
ORIGINAL: eaglesfeather
quote:
ORIGINAL: SavedByGraceMD
This thread is still running strong huh. I have one more thing I would like to add. Since this is a Christian site, forum, and family, I feel free to express my view from a Christian viewpoint.
I understand why this thread is important. For witnessing purposes. For finding a decent way to handle the topic of Christ with nonbelievers, without bashing them over the head with it, and disrespecting them.
That being said....
Let me say this.....
Even if there is some truth to Buddhism, even if it was 99% truthful, and taught good morals, and treating others how you want to be treated, in the end it is still wrong.
There is no escaping the fact that Buddhism points to self.
So in the end it points to death.
Christianity disproves Buddhism, for one reason and one reason that only matters. It does not point the way to Jesus.
Only through Jesus do we find life. There is no nirvana. There is a heaven though, but only those who place their lives in the capable hands of our Lord and savior will enter.
So in the end Buddhism teaches no Jesus. So it teaches death. I don't see any way around that.
No Jesus, no peace.
Know Jesus, know peace.
Peace to all of you.
Very true, very true.
Here are some benefits and reasons I started this besides my own interest and education.
1. Most Christians should have the ability to learn about the basics of another religion from their educated peers and from the perspective of their own religion when doing research. When I tried to do this on the forums I had no good results. I could find information about Islam and others, but nothing informative about Buddhism. It's better that a Christian educate themselves here than on a Buddhist forum I think.
2. All threads can also be found by doing normal search engine search on the internet. Everyone in the world that types in search terms could be brought to this site to learn from Christians the truth of our faith. They will read information about Christianity from Christians.
3. I believe witnessing to other cultures and religions should be done differently than what I have seen. This is all discussed in the posts in this forum.
Question is now, what has been learned by us and what will be learned about us when someone reads the forum? If no other value is taken from it I still have learned a lot and I feel better prepared to support our faith to others. I've enjoyed challenging others to support our Christian faith through scripture and knowledge. I'll continue to do so with hopes that I'm not the only person finding value in this.
Thanks
easglesfeather, I agree with you. I understand what you have been saying about how we portray ourselves to unbelievers, and those of different faiths. I agree we need to do a better job. We need to do a better job regarding defense of our faith, and understanding the other persons as well. We are at times ignorant to what others believe, and it can show in how we approach them. So yes, we need to be educated.
This is a forum designed to enhance Christian fellowship, to advise each other and grow as the body of Christ. But, we do never know who may be looking in on these forums and we should conduct ourselves in a manner that the Lord would ask of us. So yes we should find ways to teach each other in the body of ways that would help us go out and make disciples of all nations.
So I do thank you for this topic that you started. I knew there was a reason for it. I hope that we can all learn from this for future reference.
Take care, and may God Almighty bless you and keep you my friend.
_____________________________
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? - 10/27/2008 3:52:52 PM
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stellaluna
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Does Christianity disprove Buddhism? I'm sorry, but who proved it?
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Who should be allowed to attend church?
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 10/27/2008 4:10:07 PM
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eaglesfeather
Posts: 193
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From: Michigan
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quote:
ORIGINAL: stellaluna
Does Christianity disprove Buddhism? I'm sorry, but who proved it?
It depends who you ask. It's an opinion and a philosophical question as I'm sure you read in the previous pages.
Uhhhh, I say this against my better judgement, but here it goes. What has been "proved" in any religion?
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 10/27/2008 4:26:02 PM
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siapa
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John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am The Way and The Truth and The Life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Enough said....God bless.
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 10/29/2008 12:52:15 PM
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solarflare
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quote:
The secret to winning a war is understanding the enemy (not people, but their mis-understandings and lack of information). Many people that don't know the truth or don't understand it do not necessarily hate the truth. Everyone wants truth. The people spoken of that hate the truth are a different story altogether I believe. Could be wrong...
You know, that is just not what the Bible says so I will disagree with you.
I find you are leaning towards a humanistic approach...making excuses for what the Bible calls sin...things that are spiritual must be spiritually understood. You can make excuses for Buddhists or other unbelivers and they can do so themself and yet the Bible says they are without excuse, so how do you explain that?
quote:
Why don't God give them this heart that is required to know the truth? Can't blame them for chosing other paths if that's the only possible method to have truth.
Did you read Romans chapter one, 'cause that directly addresses the above. The fact that Satan has blinded their eyes is another cause. Romans addresses the fact that NO ONE can say there is no God as God has placed the evidence of Himself in creation.....I must agree with that therefore, and bare witness that the evidence He has provided is conclusive.
quote:
And we should not, but we can't expect a confused world using the facts in front of them to chose this as a logical path to truth when there are other paths that have no issues like this.
If God does not allow for this type of excuse, I sure am not going to. It is humanistic thinking at it's best and absolute deception. Do you realize that God calls this type of thinking depraved? Lost? Without excuse?
IMO, you are confused in these issues because you are trying to mix the truth in with deception. There is only one truth and only one God. If someone really believes that, they must leave and put aside all other
religions and beliefs.
You need to understand that God is not wishy washy and that there is only one path to enlightment and truth and that path is the person of Jesus Christ. And that is the last I am writing you about it. The truth IS out there. But not in Buddhism. God will absolutley allow you to follow your path if that is your desire; however, be aware that it will lead you further and further from God. It is not what you believe....it is what God says. Whether you or a Buddhist are insulted by this, is not my concern. Better to pluck out your eye, as Jesus said, then to go to hell with both of them. And yes, that is the truth. And yes, I am well aware that was already someone else's big concern on this thread. Take it up with God........
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 10/29/2008 1:54:50 PM
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eaglesfeather
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quote:
ORIGINAL: solarflare
What I consider an important point of focus is our methods of approaching people with other beliefs in the most effective manner. Understanding them is very effective and I completely understand why they are skeptical of us after many years of witnessing all the human ego brought into the faith. My first 2 test cases (friends that insisted I never talk about Christianity) have allowed me to now just because of a simple change in approach.
I'm glad to have your input here because I believe all of scrpiture and I respect your strong faith. But, this is just like many of the other posts here saying "I know truth because this little book says it's true and this is the book I chose from the lists of millions of self justifying other books..."
(AND YES I KNOW IT'S UNIQUE)
I took the "other" side in this thread for a reason and I really understand more now about what others think of us.
Getting through the narrow door could be a very unattractive option if the people trying to pull you in appear self serving....
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 10/30/2008 1:00:22 AM
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jdw1989
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I see that buddism is a faith that promotes love, and peace. these are teachings of jesus. Is it too farfetched to say that God had inspired buddhism? budda gave up everything in his life looking for something he felt was missing. he fasted and prayed for years. for a man to do all that is it to much to say that God gave him some kind of answer? its not like chistianity was just gonna pop out of Asia. mabe it was just the priciples that God gave them untill they were able to except christ. its an idea. I mean its not like buddhism is evil
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 10/30/2008 1:07:06 AM
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atruefaith
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quote:
Is it too farfetched to say that God had inspired buddhism?
Yes, because these religions are mutually exclusive. You cannot equivocate their core tenants by mere surface arguments. You need to understand what each religion advocates before you make these kinds of claims. A deeper study will show that Buddhism and Christianity diverge sharply when it comes to the base, natural human condition and their ideas as to how to solve life's deepest problems.
Besides, when Jesus says "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life" he didn't leave any room for inclusion.
_____________________________
A series of short stories depicting the Christian faith....
www.atruefaith.com
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 10/30/2008 1:35:59 AM
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Ezra
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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 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!
While Buddhism may have started out as an attempt to save oneself, it has degenerated into idolatry, since the man Gautama Buddha (an Indian prince originally called Siddhartha) is now idolized and worshipped.
Christianity is Christ, and Christ is the one true and living God who loved us and gave Himself for us.
Therefore Christianity cannot be compared to other religions, but must always stand apart as a relationship with the living God through the blood and righteousness and Person of Christ.
_____________________________
And whosoever will, let him take the Water of Life freely. Revelation 22:17
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 10/30/2008 1:38:17 AM
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Ezra
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quote:
I mean its not like buddhism is evil
Is idolatry evil in the sight of God and does it violate the first four commandments? That should be your answer.
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And whosoever will, let him take the Water of Life freely. Revelation 22:17
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 10/30/2008 1:58:48 PM
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eaglesfeather
Posts: 193
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From: Michigan
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Ezra
quote:
I mean its not like buddhism is evil
Is idolatry evil in the sight of God and does it violate the first four commandments? That should be your answer.
Since someone mentions it in the thread that Buddhists are idol worshipers many people are assuming it's true and it is NOT true for the most part. I say not true for the most part because there may be people that call themselves Buddhist that do worship idols. The most I've found is statues representing enlightenment and used for remembrance of historical achievements. They don't pray to the idols. They do kneel down before them sometimes as some people do to statues in church. I don't like that they do this, but they are not praying to the idols.
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 10/31/2008 8:34:28 PM
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kingdust
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quote:
ORIGINAL: solarflare
Oh my......if one depends on the flesh rather than a Holy Omnipotent God I guess it could look that way.........  Wonder how anyone EVER got saved if you look at it like that.........THAT, is NOT what the Bible teaches. Our God is ALIVE. Budda is dead. Why don't you live for Chirst, die to your flesh (see, the Buddhists do have the die part right...they just try to do it in their own strength which makes it sinful)
and be joyful in the Lord? Man, you're right......the way you are sounding on this thread is depressing!!!!!!!  Surely you don't mean to sound quite like that? It is a language thing again?
OK...well I've got to go do some things other than post on this thread....be back later......................
So, are you saying that what you are saying is inspired by a Holy Omnipotent God, not by your flesh at all?
Then, which denomination would you present to a Buddhist if he/she is interested in 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? - 11/4/2008 7:33:10 AM
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eaglesfeather
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Of course many other Christians see these topics as an issue. There's an entire book about it that can be read for free on Google Books. For those that don't know everything I recommend reading it.
Sharing Jesus Effectively in the Buddhist World
I believe this book could benefit any Christian that thinks they may someday do missionary work, deal with other cultures, or simply represent their faith to others.
< Message edited by eaglesfeather -- 11/4/2008 7:42:04 AM >
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 11/4/2008 10:29:37 AM
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kingdust
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quote:
So, are you saying that what you are saying is inspired by a Holy Omnipotent God, not by your flesh at all?
Then, which denomination would you present to a Buddhist if he/she is interested in Christianity???
I feel like to elaborate my statement to avoid unintended interpretation from mine,
I asked for that only to see if your opinion on Christianity or on me is true absolutely as you claim to depend on a Holy Omnipotent God to speak or act.
If you really depend on God in receiving the absolute opinion to speak out, you can speak like God Himself no doubt, and acting, too.
If it is your personal opinion from your self, you can't declare yours as absolutely true, because you can only see Christianity or me 'subjectively'.
If you do that, what you do is no different from any Buddhist who speaks from his/her subjective point of view.
What makes your subjective point of view better than Buddhists who does the same thing more or less?
How can you convince a Buddhist that what you do is different from them, and possibly help them turn from his/her subjective point of view to yours?
_____________________________
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? - 11/19/2008 11:16:23 PM
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levimichal
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What happens when a person take in idolatrous, blasphemous ideas in? Do they think they can open the door to the devil yet keep the lord of flies at bay.
What relationship can light have darkness? None. Do you think you can think God holy yet study the very teaching of the devil. The devil disguises himself as an angel of light.
12 And what I do I will continue to do, in order to undermine the claim of those who would like to claim that in their boasted mission they work on the same terms as we do. 13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.
You think those teachings that would lessen sin when the very idea that people can work themselves to "perfection" is what Eve thought in the beginning when she took a bite of the fruit forbidden by God.
20 If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— 21 “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” 22 ( referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? 23 These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.
He is Holy. He is righteous. We are corrupted dust. We are sinners and will never be as God is.
Do not indulge in a teaching that cuts out man's sin and his need of the Savior, Jesus Christ. A teaching that is the work of the devil.
_____________________________
Levita Michal Ayala Goeloe
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 11/20/2008 12:02:34 AM
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Ezra
Posts: 1833
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quote:
Since someone mentions it in the thread that Buddhists are idol worshipers many people are assuming it's true and it is NOT true for the most part.
This is the same argument that Catholics use for worshipping Mary. Note below the manner in which Buddha is exalted. Since he was a sinner just like all other humans, this is indeed idolatry (whether it is called "paying homage" or simply "worship"). God is the only one to whom such honour and praise is due.
quote:
SALUTATIONS
Some of the verses that Buddhists recite to remember their great teacher as a mark of respect in gratitude and in praise of the Buddha, are as follows:-
Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Sammasambuddhassa -
Honour to Him, the Blessed One, the Worthy One, the fully Enlightened One.
Further they recite some verses that explains the great qualities and virtues of the Buddha, such as:-
"Iti pi so Bhagava Araham Samma sambuddho vijja carana-sampanno
Sugato Lokavidu Anuttaro Purisa dammasarathi Sattha Devamanussanam Buddho Bhagava ti "
These recitals are in the Pali language. If you are not familiar with this language you can recite the verses in any language in which you are familiar. The English translation is as follows:-
Such indeed is the Blessed One, Exalted, All-Knowing, endowed with knowledge and virtue. Well-gone, knower of the worlds. A Guide incomparable for the training of individuals, Teachers of gods and men, Enlightened and Holy.
Since Buddha could not become holy apart from Christ and the Holy Spirit, how can he be exalted as "holy"?
And let's face it, the activities inside buddhist temples are nothing other than worship to a creature.
_____________________________
And whosoever will, let him take the Water of Life freely. Revelation 22:17
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 11/20/2008 9:46:39 AM
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JStucki76
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There are parts of Buddhism that don't contradict Christianity. But there is a little truth in every lie, or so the saying goes. Buddhism as a whole is most definitely NOT compatible with Christianity. Buddhism is compatible with Buddhism.
No religion is truly compatible with any other religion. There is always some point of departure, no matter how small, that keeps a person from truly serving two masters.
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 11/20/2008 6:54:12 PM
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levimichal
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God says in Romans 1:18-32
God's Wrath Against Mankind
18The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.
21For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.
24Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.
26Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. 27In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.
28Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. 29They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, 30slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; 31they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 32Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.
_____________________________
Levita Michal Ayala Goeloe
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 11/20/2008 7:20:55 PM
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ta_mosquito
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 11/20/2008 8:27:14 PM
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zoebob
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ContantineX,
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 11/22/2008 1:34:46 AM
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Ama-S
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Any similarities between Buddhim and Christianity are superficial at best. I will be praying that God will grant you wisdom on this issue. I encourage you to do your homework on this and urge you to not take the opinions of others, but look into the facts. I have read several books, not specifically about Buddhism, that have touched on the many differences between the two religions. You should read 'Buddhism vs. Christianity' by Dr. John Ankerberg and Dr. John Weldon and use this as a starting point. There are a lot of great books out there to learn from as well, but here are a few key points I'd like to highlight:
1. Buddist do not beleive in Jesus, whom without we would not be saved and go to heaven. The buddhist prophet, Bodhisattva, who is often compared to Jesus, taught self-enlightenment not forgivness and mercy from the one true God. Bodhisattva taught that we save our selves through humility and through the rejection of our humaness.
5. The Bible tells us that we are SAVED through grace and faith, but Buddhims teaches that nirvana can be reached only through enlightenment.
2. If Jesus died to forgive all sin, there is no reason for a person to pay the penalty for their own sin (“karma”) over many lifetimes ("reincarnation")
3. Christianity is based on a belief in an infinite and personal God, but Buddhism is agnostic. There is no true beleif in A God, or at least there's no mention of one. Although it is not promoted, Buddhim accepts/tolerates pagan mysticism and occultism.
4. Buddists beleive that there is no real meaning to life and that we are not important. But the Bible tells us the that is not true. We we're created in Gods image, we are his children and he love us unconditionally. He says we are important.
6. Buddhism teaches that individual qualities (uniqueness) must be surpressed. But God has made each one of us unique (Psalm 139:14 For I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Some translations say I am fearfully set apart)
7. Budda himself said that he did not know if his way was the right way. He felt it was right for him but he didn't actively encourage others to follow suit.
I hope that some of this information helps you on your quest for the truth!
_____________________________
Amanda Schneider
My Dad's Blog 'Straight Paths'
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 11/22/2008 2:34:36 AM
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Ama-S
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quote:
ORIGINAL: eaglesfeather
What did they have in India 500 years before Jesus?
eaglesfeather,
You are right that they were not able to know about Jesus and his teachings in 500 B.C. But, I've heard it said that it's believed by many that when Christ died on the cross to pay for our sins, he went to hell and then was able to minister to those who had died before him. The people then had the opportunity to accept Jesus as lord and savior. This makes sense to me because without salvation and mercy from God, which is what Jesus died for, we would all end up in hell. Jesus's spirit had to go somewhere for those three days after he died and we know he didn't go to heaven, as his father turned his back on him for he became sin.
Also, we have a finite mind and cannot know all that God knows. Some things will always remain a mystery and that is why we must have faith. Also, those in India who were followers of Buddha were most likely searching for salvation of some kind. God has created us as spiritual beings and has placed in every one of us a void that can only be filled by him. Buddhism, a theory that originated with Buddha, was most likely an attempt to fill that void. Plus, why would be created to be so unique, if the 'universe' wants us to be the opposite. It doesn't make sense.
If Buddhism has existed since the beginning of time and was not a theory developed by Buddha himself, why was the religion named after him? Still yet, why have no prophetic texts been found declaring the coming of Buddha or Bodhisattva? Christ's birth and his life were foretold in the Old Testament of the Bible. God revealed his son's coming to many before it even happened! Christianity, as we know it, was not in existence before Christ's death. However, Judaism was the religion from which Christianity was formed. Judaism teaches the coming of the messiah. The Jews who believed Jesus was the messiah became Christians and founded the Christian religion as we know it. Those who still practice Judaism believe that the messiah has not yet come and they are still waiting. So, even though Christianity has not been in existence from the beginning of time, the foretelling and prophesying of Christianity has been. If all Jews had believed that Jesus was the messiah, it would still be called Judaism. But, because that didn't happen, there was a breaking off.
This proves that the principles of Christianity have been in existence from the beginning of time, but those of Buddhism have not. I hope this makes some sense.
_____________________________
Amanda Schneider
My Dad's Blog 'Straight Paths'
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 11/22/2008 8:22:10 AM
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kingdust
Posts: 295
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quote:
ORIGINAL: JStucki76
There are parts of Buddhism that don't contradict Christianity. But there is a little truth in every lie, or so the saying goes. Buddhism as a whole is most definitely NOT compatible with Christianity. Buddhism is compatible with Buddhism.
No religion is truly compatible with any other religion. There is always some point of departure, no matter how small, that keeps a person from truly serving two masters.
I agree with you: no religion is truly compatible with any other religion.
However, one thing common among all 'religion' is believing 'subjectively', including the Christian 'religion'.
No religion can be free from this subjective belief, because any believer can only be a believer, 'subjectively'.
Having many denominations within the Christianity is a very telltale sign of 'subjective belief' drawn from the subjective interpretation, unique and private perspective in Christianity from the very standing point of own 'self' in self-centered life.
How would you deny this common denominator between Christian religion and Buddhist religion?
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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? - 11/22/2008 9:04:18 AM
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JStucki76
Posts: 112
Joined: 12/14/2006
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quote:
ORIGINAL: kingdust
quote:
ORIGINAL: JStucki76
There are parts of Buddhism that don't contradict Christianity. But there is a little truth in every lie, or so the saying goes. Buddhism as a whole is most definitely NOT compatible with Christianity. Buddhism is compatible with Buddhism.
No religion is truly compatible with any other religion. There is always some point of departure, no matter how small, that keeps a person from truly serving two masters.
I agree with you: no religion is truly compatible with any other religion.
However, one thing common among all 'religion' is believing 'subjectively', including the Christian 'religion'.
No religion can be free from this subjective belief, because any believer can only be a believer, 'subjectively'.
Having many denominations within the Christianity is a very telltale sign of 'subjective belief' drawn from the subjective interpretation, unique and private perspective in Christianity from the very standing point of own 'self' in self-centered life.
How would you deny this common denominator between Christian religion and Buddhist religion?
I wouldn't deny it at all. There are elements of Christianity that are open to interpretation, and some others that are not. That the same is true of Buddhism is evident as well.
But neither Christianity nor Buddhism claims to be "partially true." They cannot both be true. Does Christianity "disprove" Buddhism? I don't know. Buddhism may have pieces of the truth. But this is for certain: If Christianity is true, then Buddhism taken as a whole is false. If Buddhism is true, then Christianity is false.
To be true, Christianity must be completely true. I'm not talking about interpretive things like whether or not drinking is a sin. I mean the core of the faith. If Jesus is not God, Christianity is false. If he did not rise from the dead, it's false. No matter how many good things may be in a religion, if the smallest iota of the foundation is false, then the whole thing is false. That is why no two religions (except Judaism and Christianity) can be true. If they contradict each other (which they all do), then one of them is right and one of them is wrong. Or they're all wrong.
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 11/22/2008 10:38:07 AM
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kingdust
Posts: 295
Joined: 3/20/2006
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quote:
I wouldn't deny it at all. There are elements of Christianity that are open to interpretation, and some others that are not. That the same is true of Buddhism is evident as well.
I am glad to hear that you don't deny the fact that Christianity could be a religion just like any other religion when it come it to 'believing subjectively'.
(I am a Christian, believe or not, or maybe a nominal one, and not trying to put down Christianity and put it as a religion next to Buddhism but to find a common ground between Christian and Buddhist to have a talk without putting other side down as if what I believe and know is all there is to it.)
Another common fact is that all are believers, Christian or Buddhist.
We believe in God of the Bible and they believe in Buddha.
As you can guess, I am trying to say our belief is no different from Buddhist, as long as we talk about 'our belief'.
Have you ever heard someone said, 'that is what you believe'?
When you believe in something, whatever you believed become 'true' to you, 'subjective' that is.
And, you will live by your belief, naturally, rejecting whatever you don't believe.
That is a reason why many people do all kind of ungodly things in the name of God, I think.
Some Jewish people killed Christians, believing as if they did in service to God.
Some Muslims kill self or others in the name of Allah.
Some Christians do many things against God, believing what they do is for God.
Surely, Buddhism is not compatible to Christianity simply because it has no god in its belief.
Instead, a believer become like a god, Buddha if you will, the enlightened.
What is the enlightened?
Empty and nothing.
But, as believers seeking own way to truth, subjectively, we are no different from the Buddhists.
As long as you and I stand in the dead self-center where we stand helplessly seeing, thinking, feeling, or believing different from each other, we cannot be free from the subjective truth we believe.
What would you say about that?
_____________________________
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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