Are Christianity and Buddhism compatible?

[Brushstroke]

The title says it: Are Christianity and Buddhism compatible?

I find the teachings of Buddhism to be so peaceful and serene, but I do not want to let go of my Christian faith.

[jckstraw72]

Definitely not. Buddhism doesnt even have a God.

[Brushstroke]

Definitely not. Buddhism doesnt even have a God.

Well, actually some Buddhists do believe God exists, some are agnostic, and some do not believe in God; it varies. I've been studying Buddhism, and I'm starting to think that you can follow Buddhist teachings while still believing that Jesus Christ is Lord.

[Super Gnat]

I don't think so. The ultimate goal of Buddhism is nothingness. The ultimate goal of Christianity is God. How can you reconcile those two things?

[Catechumen]

The title says it: Are Christianity and Buddhism compatible?

I find the teachings of Buddhism to be so peaceful and serene, but I do not want to let go of my Christian faith.

Buddhism is a philosophy of life and was never meant to be a religion in the first place. Much of what peoople currently think Buddhists teach was actually not taught by the Buddha himself, but was invented hundreds of years later and read into his writings using biased interpretations by people who wanted to turn it into a religion so they could have power over other people. Similiar things happened and are still happening with Christianity and the Bible.

To answer your question: yes, they are most definitely compatible. Jesus was influenced heavily by Buddhism and Taoism and the Eastern religions and this shows in His teachings. The golden rule, among other teachings, originally comes from the Buddha.

[CrazyforYeshua]

To answer your question: yes, they are most definitely compatible. Jesus was influenced heavily by Buddhism and Taoism and the Eastern religions and this shows in His teachings. The golden rule, among other teachings, originally comes from the Buddha.

No, Yeshua wasn't "influenced" by anybody, He taught the ways of His Father. It's the other way around, people put teachings of Yeshua into religion, to make it sound better. But, if it doesn't lead to Him, it's still wrong.

[Lynn73]

Of course they aren't.

[Nadiine]

Buddhism is a philosophy of life and was never meant to be a religion in the first place. Much of what peoople currently think Buddhists teach was actually not taught by the Buddha himself, but was invented hundreds of years later and read into his writings using biased interpretations by people who wanted to turn it into a religion so they could have power over other people. Similiar things happened and are still happening with Christianity and the Bible.

To answer your question: yes, they are most definitely compatible. Jesus was influenced heavily by Buddhism and Taoism and the Eastern religions and this shows in His teachings. The golden rule, among other teachings, originally comes from the Buddha.

WHAT???
What you're saying here is, JESUS DIDN'T COME WITH GOD'S MESSAGE, BUT CAME TO EARTH & WAS INFLUENCED BY BUDDHA'S & OTHER'S RELIGIOUS TEACHINGS INSTEAD?
Jesus said He came with His FATHER'S WORD to do THE WORKS OF HIS FATHER.
Jn 10:25, John 7:16-19 My doctrine is not Mine, but HIS who sent Me..."
John 14:10 "..the words I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works."

JESUS IS FULLY GOD and became FULLY MAN. In that Humanity (in which He limited Himself to rely ONLY upon God His Father), He brought and relayed GOD'S MESSAGE TO MAN, is GOD INFLUENCED BY BUDDHA?
I cannot believe what I'm seeing here!

Who came first, God or Buddha???

The law of LOVE came long before Buddha. It's in the OT Laws.
Lev. 19:18 Love your neighbor as yourself.
Deut 6:5 Love the Lord your God...
Prov 10:12 Love covers sins.... etc.

CHRIST ONLY ELEVATED THE LAW OF LOVE WHICH ALREADY EXISTED TO RELAY THAT LOVE OF OTHERS FULFILLS THE LAW'S PURPOSE.
If you LOVE others, you automatically do GOOD to them.

Most importantly, BUDDHA DID NOT POINT TO THE LIVING GOD OF THE BIBLE AS TRUTH, but introduced FALSITIES - spirituality WITHOUT GOD.
Works' based secular philosophies devoid of the True GOD.

Let's see how "compatible" Christ is w/ Buddhism:
Buddhism says: "Be lamps UNTO YOURSELVES, do not return to any external refuge... work out your own salvation with diligence." Mahaparinibbana-Sutta 2:33, 6:10 from the Pali Canon.

GOD didn't follow Buddha - Buddha grabbed a handful of God's original principles & spun them into another false belief system.
JUST AS SATAN DOES: USES PARTS OF THE TRUTH TO LIE, SEDUCE AND DESTROY.
HUMAN SPIRITUALITY WITHOUT THE LIVING GOD

[Brushstroke]

Buddhism is a philosophy of life and was never meant to be a religion in the first place. Much of what peoople currently think Buddhists teach was actually not taught by the Buddha himself, but was invented hundreds of years later and read into his writings using biased interpretations by people who wanted to turn it into a religion so they could have power over other people. Similiar things happened and are still happening with Christianity and the Bible.

To answer your question: yes, they are most definitely compatible. Jesus was influenced heavily by Buddhism and Taoism and the Eastern religions and this shows in His teachings. The golden rule, among other teachings, originally comes from the Buddha.
I have heard some ideas that He was influenced by Eastern philosophies; and actually everyone, it is very possible. Buddhism was a philosophy that came many years before Jesus. In fact, the date of Siddhartha Guatama's life is 563 BCE to approximately 483 BCE. Just because Jesus is the Lord, does not mean that He could not use other teachings to His advantage...not that He really needed to anyway lol.

And also, what is that gap in Jesus' life? From age 12 to somewhere around...30? (it's questionable), there is no Biblical record of His life. Some believe that during that time He traveled to India to study with Buddhists, and exchange ideas. It was probably just another place and another way to spread His Word. I am not certain of this theory however.

[Nadiine]

I have heard some ideas that He was influenced by Eastern philosophies; and actually everyone, it is very possible. Buddhism was a philosophy that came many years before Jesus.

Actually, if Jesus was going to be "influenced" by ANY OTHER THAN HIS FATHER/GOD.... (which is what scripture teaches He came to preach and why this is ludicrous to accept),
It would have been the most POPULAR of His day which were the "holy" scribes & pharisees who were over the people & had the most spiritual influence.
It was only Christ who saw thru their phony spiritualism and knew their hearts were wicked - not the people.
They were highly esteemed and regarded.

This is ludicrous that Christ was influenced BY ANY OTHER OTHER THAN GOD HIMSELF because His mission was to preach OPPOSITE WHAT BUDDHA TAUGHT, that there IS one true God, and one Way to Him, thru the Son.
To repent & be born again.
Even His message is opposite Buddha - and LOVE was in the OT law (MUCH earlier than Buddha & others like him).
In all due respect w/ out personal offense, it's
tripe, sorry.

I cannot BELIEVE "CHRISTIANS" are even entertaining this type of thought pattern when the Bible is SO adversely refuting of it. :cry: :sigh:

[jeolmstead]

Truth is truth, If Buddhism teaches “The sky is blue” that is true and I do not have a problem with the “truth” of that statement. If Buda taught that one should love his neighbor, again, I have no problem with that “truth”

But my question to anyone seriously considering Buddhism is: What is it that you expect to find there that can not be found MORE completely in Christ? What can it add to the Gospel of peace with God?

[savedbyHisgrace]

Truth is truth, If Buddhism teaches “The sky is blue” that is true and I do not have a problem with the “truth” of that statement. If Buda taught that one should love his neighbor, again, I have no problem with that “truth”

But my question to anyone seriously considering Buddhism is: What is it that you expect to find there that can not be found MORE completely in Christ? What can it add to the Gospel of peace with God?

Exactly what I was wondering. :amen:

[4ujesus]

Actually, if Jesus was going to be "influenced" by ANY OTHER THAN HIS FATHER/GOD.... (which is what scripture teaches He came to preach and why this is ludicrous to accept),
It would have been the most POPULAR of His day which were the "holy" scribes & pharisees who were over the people & had the most spiritual influence.
It was only Christ who saw thru their phony spiritualism and knew their hearts were wicked - not the people.
They were highly esteemed and regarded.

This is ludicrous that Christ was influenced BY ANY OTHER OTHER THAN GOD HIMSELF because His mission was to preach OPPOSITE WHAT BUDDHA TAUGHT, that there IS one true God, and one Way to Him, thru the Son.
To repent & be born again.
Even His message is opposite Buddha - and LOVE was in the OT law (MUCH earlier than Buddha & others like him).
In all due respect w/ out personal offense, it's
tripe, sorry.

I cannot BELIEVE "CHRISTIANS" are even entertaining this type of thought pattern when the Bible is SO adversely refuting of it. :cry: :sigh:
Amen Nadine, I agree whole heartedly with both of your posts!

Here's another thought. Where do you think Buddha is right now?

Unlike Jesus, our risen and living savior who triumphed over sin and death, Buddha is dead, atleast his body anyway.

And no matter what level of "conciousness" he reached, He, like all of us was a sinner in need of a savior. His sin like all of ours could only be forgiven one way, through repentance and confessing his need for forgiveness and faith in the true and living God.

Jesus alone is "The Way and The Truth and The Life and no man comes to the father but by Him"

Buddha is neither God, nor a path to Him.

Nor shoud we walk in his counsel, as the Word says in Psalm 1, "To walk not in the counsel of the ungodly"

[jive]

Truth is truth, If Buddhism teaches “The sky is blue” that is true and I do not have a problem with the “truth” of that statement. If Buda taught that one should love his neighbor, again, I have no problem with that “truth”

But my question to anyone seriously considering Buddhism is: What is it that you expect to find there that can not be found MORE completely in Christ? What can it add to the Gospel of peace with God?

exactly what i was gonna say, see i new it would help to read ALL the post before i just jump the bottom and reply. well said Joel, well said.

[twistedsketch]

Being as humanity as we know it came from the sons of Noah, the man who knew God, it is safe to say that anything and everything true in false religions such as Bhuddism, Hinduism, and Paganism are holdovers from the worship of the True God that humanity rejected. (Genesis 9:18-19, Romans 1:21-23)

"Reality is not so dense that other faiths cannot grasp onto some of it." - Loy Lack

This is what makes other faiths so tempting. What Satan tempts you with is the 3% or 10% or whatever % of it that is true, while making select lies more pallatable to you. Christianity is the only religion that has 100% truth.

All that said, let's look at Bhuddism. No absolutes, that means there is no absolute good or evil. The logical progression of this thought is that even the worst of sinners, be they rapists, child molestors, and murderers cannot be condemned because their actions cannot be condemned.

Also, a basic tenet of Bhuddism is to detach yourself from all things to avoid pain. Detach yourself from your wife, because she could cheat on you or die. Detach yourself from your kids, because they could run away.

A third tenet of Bhuddism, Hinduism, and all New Age religions is the concept of our reality being an illusion. Nothing matters, because this whole existance is a lie, a charade. Therefore, you should not care about what happens in this world because none of it is real. That person being mugged? It's not a real mugging, don't worry about it. That person starving? Just another illusion, don't worry about it.

Where in Christianity, one would be compelled to help because of love and courage, the Eastern philosphies would have you retreat to your own little universe to escape it all. Escapism is hardly what Jesus taught, or what He commanded. It's all really selfish when you think about it. Eastern philosophy cannot be compatible with Christianity. If you want to learn more, I suggest reading what some of the Church Fathers had to say about Greek philosphy - while it is not all the same as the Eastern stuff, it's got some common themes such as Pantheism. You'll at least get the early Christians' belief about that, and they were quite thorough in the refutation of heresies.

[Llauralin]

The title says it: Are Christianity and Buddhism compatible?

I find the teachings of Buddhism to be so peaceful and serene, but I do not want to let go of my Christian faith.
Is it primarily that sense of peace that attracts you to Buddhism? If so, I would recommend you read Christ the Eternal Tao (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0938635859/sr=8-2/qid=1146271633/ref=pd_bbs_2/002-5601469-2047224?%5Fencoding=UTF8) - a book based upon finding the truths so appealing in Eastern religions (in this case Taoism), in Christianity without preaching watered-down relitivism.

And no, it really isn't possible to be Christian and any other religion at the same time.

[Brushstroke]

Is it primarily that sense of peace that attracts you to Buddhism? If so, I would recommend you read Christ the Eternal Tao (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0938635859/sr=8-2/qid=1146271633/ref=pd_bbs_2/002-5601469-2047224?%5Fencoding=UTF8) - a book based upon finding the truths so appealing in Eastern religions (in this case Taoism), in Christianity without preaching watered-down relitivism.

And no, it really isn't possible to be Christian and any other religion at the same time.

Thanks, I will read that. :)

[Catechumen]

What you're saying here is, JESUS DIDN'T COME WITH GOD'S MESSAGE, BUT CAME TO EARTH & WAS INFLUENCED BY BUDDHA'S & OTHER'S RELIGIOUS TEACHINGS INSTEAD?


That's actually not what I'm saying. Thanks for telling me what I was saying though, I appreciate you putting words into my mouth.

Explain to me the similarities between the first chapter of Genesis and the first chapter of the Tao Te Ching without saying that the latter influenced the former, since it was written hundreds of years before. Also, John 1:1 has an astonishingly similar passage in the Tao Te Ching. I'm not saying Christ didn't teach truth that was from God, because all truth is from God. It is important, however, to note that Christ lived at a time when everyone read the Tao Te Ching, and other Eastern philosophical books, and He was indeed heavily influenced by them since it was and still is the most widely read book on the planet.

[Llauralin]

That's actually not what I'm saying. Thanks for telling me what I was saying though, I appreciate you putting words into my mouth.

Explain to me the similarities between the first chapter of Genesis and the first chapter of the Tao Te Ching without saying that the latter influenced the former, since it was written hundreds of years before. Also, John 1:1 has an astonishingly similar passage in the Tao Te Ching. I'm not saying Christ didn't teach truth that was from God, because all truth is from God. It is important, however, to note that Christ lived at a time when everyone read the Tao Te Ching, and other Eastern philosophical books, and He was indeed heavily influenced by them since it was and still is the most widely read book on the planet.
I believe you may be confusing that religions often have similarities because of truths common to all humanity which can be found by seeking God earnestly, with similarities because one thing caused the other.

Do you have any evidence that it was common for Jews to read the Tao Te Ching?

[SandCrab]

I don't think so. The ultimate goal of Buddhism is nothingness. The ultimate goal of Christianity is God. How can you reconcile those two things?

You know, Buddisim is the most misunderstood religion ever? Actually the main point of Buddism is to be one with the divine...Buddha (for them at least) and some monks strive their whole lives to get to that point of meditation but for us there is one word that does it for us, that gives us a connection to the divine...Jesus!

[Wisdom's Child]

To answer your question: yes, they are most definitely compatible. Jesus was influenced heavily by Buddhism and Taoism and the Eastern religions and this shows in His teachings. The golden rule, among other teachings, originally comes from the Buddha.

What you're saying here is, JESUS DIDN'T COME WITH GOD'S MESSAGE, BUT CAME TO EARTH & WAS INFLUENCED BY BUDDHA'S & OTHER'S RELIGIOUS TEACHINGS INSTEAD?

That's actually not what I'm saying. Thanks for telling me what I was saying though, I appreciate you putting words into my mouth.


Yea, Well what exactly were you saying?
The Teachings of Jesus did not originate from Buddah, the origin of those Teachings are God's Wisdom, His Word which came in the Flesh.
Jesus teachings were not "influenced" from any other source.
Your words betray your heart.
You are in fact a "Buddist"wolf in the guise of a "Christian" sheep.
A false teacher.


Explain to me the similarities between the first chapter of Genesis and the first chapter of the Tao Te Ching without saying that the latter influenced the former, since it was written hundreds of years before. Also, John 1:1 has an astonishingly similar passage in the Tao Te Ching. I'm not saying Christ didn't teach truth that was from God, because all truth is from God. It is important, however, to note that Christ lived at a time when everyone read the Tao Te Ching, and other Eastern philosophical books, and He was indeed heavily influenced by them since it was and still is the most widely read book on the planet.

What?
Your beloved Tao Te Ching doesn't mention that decievers will come along with false teachings that sound like truth to decieve others and lead them away from God?
Shocking :eek:

I never knew that the heavily legalistic and culturally dominating Pharisees and Romans spent so much time reading Tao Te Ching.
After all The Hebrew OT was just something to read while at the Temple, and The Roman Caesar wanted every roman in his Empire to read about non violence.

Talk about revisionist history!

:sigh:

[twistedsketch]

You know, Buddisim is the most misunderstood religion ever? Actually the main point of Buddism is to be one with the divine...Buddha (for them at least) and some monks strive their whole lives to get to that point of meditation but for us there is one word that does it for us, that gives us a connection to the divine...Jesus!
That's not anywhere near the same thing at all. Nirvana is pure nothingness. Heaven has a new Earth, and a new Jerusalem. And we will see God, and our old friends and family. That's a far cry from being a drop in some oversoul ocean.

[Nadiine]

Yea, Well what exactly were you saying?
The Teachings of Jesus did not originate from Buddah, the origin of those Teachings are God's Wisdom, His Word which came in the Flesh.
Jesus teachings were not "influenced" from any other source.
Your words betray your heart.
You are in fact a "Buddist"wolf in the guise of a "Christian" sheep.
A false teacher.



What?
Your beloved Tao Te Ching doesn't mention that decievers will come along with false teachings that sound like truth to decieve others and lead them away from God?
Shocking :eek:

I never knew that the heavily legalistic and culturally dominating Pharisees and Romans spent so much time reading Tao Te Ching.
After all The Hebrew OT was just something to read while at the Temple, and The Roman Caesar wanted every roman in his Empire to read about non violence.

Talk about revisionist history!

:sigh:

THANK YOU.:amen: rep on way.

Revisionist... if not heresy in a way - to say that 'Jesus was influenced by Buddha is to basically say that GOD came to earth to save mankind and Buddha was SO profound with a "NEW" teaching on Love, that He was swept away with it & preached THAT INSTEAD of what He WAS going to say.

If people would stop & think a moment as to what Jesus' mission was?? TO FULFILL THE OT LAW and usher in the new Grace Covenant... MERCY, GRACE over Law...
The new "shift" was already in motion.. nothing Buddha introduced where Jesus was swept away with His profound concepts. HE BROUGHT THE NEW CONCEPT!

I also pointed out that Jesus Himself declares that ALL HIS WORDS COME FROM THE FATHER ABOVE.
So, ......... Christ WAS going to give the (preordained) messages His Father gave Him, but learned of Buddha's teachings & was so captivated by them, that He gave different ones instead??

Is this the New 'DaVinci code' conspiracy? Jesus followed Buddha now?
I wish this wasn't a serious issue, BUT IT IS. It makes God seem as if some created being had such profound truth, that He was even persuaded by it & CHANGED the original message He was going to bring thru Christ.

WHEN HIS LAW TO "LOVE OTHERS AS YOURSELF" WAS ALREADY GIVEN IN LEV. 19 - long before Buddha was born. The Law itself was written with LOVE at the very core of it.

If this is the condition of Christianity in America today, then I truly think America is in worse trouble that I originally thought & is in dire need of missionaries from other countries to come here & preach the REAL GOSPEL to us again.
Because the God I'm hearing too many 'Christians' promote today, sure isn't the one I'm reading about in my Bible.

If you don't stand for the Truth
You will fall for the Lie
Thanks for your post

[Catechumen]

Jesus teachings were not "influenced" from any other source.
Your words betray your heart.
You are in fact a "Buddist"wolf in the guise of a "Christian" sheep.
A false teacher.

What?
Your beloved Tao Te Ching doesn't mention that decievers will come along with false teachings that sound like truth to decieve others and lead them away from God?
Shocking :eek:

Wow, you still don't understand what I'm saying and you don't really even seem to care. I'm actually not a Buddhist at all. I try to live my life by the Buddhist philosophy, but I am not a member of the Buddhist religion, there is a difference. There you go again assuming things and not really trying to find out the truth. All you do is come up with these silly and ridiculous ad hominem arguments instead of actually trying to refute what I said.

What you don't realize is that the Tao Te Ching was written BEFORE the Bible, so when the Bible talks about false teachers arising, it must be talking about religions that would develop in the future. Nice try though. I find it pretty sad, actually, that you don't even seem to know what the Tao Te Ching is, as evidenced by the content of your posts, even though it's the most influential book in human history.

[cubanito]

sorry, accidental double post deleted

[cubanito]

Wow, you still don't understand what I'm saying and you don't really even seem to care. I'm actually not a Buddhist at all. I try to live my life by the Buddhist philosophy, but I am not a member of the Buddhist religion, there is a difference. There you go again assuming things and not really trying to find out the truth. All you do is come up with these silly and ridiculous ad hominem arguments instead of actually trying to refute what I said.

What you don't realize is that the Tao Te Ching was written BEFORE the Bible, so when the Bible talks about false teachers arising, it must be talking about religions that would develop in the future. Nice try though. I find it pretty sad, actually, that you don't even seem to know what the Tao Te Ching is, as evidenced by the content of your posts, even though it's the most influential book in human history.

The eastern religions do not in general promote the doing of good. Good is better karma than evil, but better yet is no karma at all. There are many kinds of bhuddism around, as also Tao and hinduism. It is impossible to critique with complete fairness all of them, but my first sentence is the closest I come. Christ did not advocate a completely passive detached inner life. He never ever got accused of being a monk. He wanted us to be IN the world, but not of it. He was rather criticized for being a drunkard, and consorter with whores. not that he got drunk or was sexually active, but that He was involved in a real life, not some nebulous mystic experience. And yes, at times He went away by Himself for awhile, nothing wrong with that. But He did not cloister Himself, nor ask any of us to do so. Those are inventions of men

If you want a more explicit contrast, please post a link to somewhere that specifies the kind of Bhuddism that appeals to you. It may very well be that many aspects of it are indeed compatible. When the Muslim calls me to submission to one God, I do not deny it because much else he believes is wrong, or because he pronounces God "Allah". I agree with the Muslim that we must submit to God. I do not agree with all he conceives God to be.


As to the anger from some of my fellow Christians, forgive and try to understand how we must fight the current tide of syncretism daily. No, all religions are not the same, and no, you can not be saved by following the Tao. Still, I do agree that an angry response to a sincere question is not a good idea, though I tell you truly, it may come from an honest kind heart.
JR

[Wisdom's Child]

Wow, you still don't understand what I'm saying and you don't really even seem to care. I'm actually not a Buddhist at all. I try to live my life by the Buddhist philosophy, but I am not a member of the Buddhist religion, there is a difference. There you go again assuming things and not really trying to find out the truth. All you do is come up with these silly and ridiculous ad hominem arguments instead of actually trying to refute what I said.

What you don't realize is that the Tao Te Ching was written BEFORE the Bible, so when the Bible talks about false teachers arising, it must be talking about religions that would develop in the future. Nice try though. I find it pretty sad, actually, that you don't even seem to know what the Tao Te Ching is, as evidenced by the content of your posts, even though it's the most influential book in human history.

Not a Buddhist at all. I try to live my life by the Buddhist philosophy?

Child, there you go again....
That isn't much of an issue for you is it?
Denying what you in fact live your life by?
Wake up and listen to what you are professing.
What you say is a witness to your own heart.
It is not what goes into the mouth that corrupts a man but what comes out of the mouth.
Your own statements are convicting you.
And yes I do care....
For the Sheep under my care.
That I must answer to God for.


P.S.
If you have lost your keys, you search for them....
But once you have found what you seek, does it make any sense whatsoever to keep looking?
"There you go again assuming things and not really trying to find out the truth."
Child, I have found "The Truth", His Name is Jesus. I require no other truth.

[twistedsketch]

What you don't realize is that the Tao Te Ching was written BEFORE the Bible, so when the Bible talks about false teachers arising, it must be talking about religions that would develop in the future. Nice try though. I find it pretty sad, actually, that you don't even seem to know what the Tao Te Ching is, as evidenced by the content of your posts, even though it's the most influential book in human history.
So riddle me this. The Canaanite paganism was established well before Moses and his companions wrote the Torah (first 5 books of the Bible). However, that religion was very much a false one, and it follows that its teachers were false teachers. And what about the pre-flood humanity, being filled with violence? Surely whoever taught the philosphies and and religions of that evil era was a false teacher.

Also, consider that Jesus grew up in a strict, post-captivity Judaism. The Pharisees had done a good job of squelshing every foriegn philosphy from that isolated culture, because they didn't want another captivity. Strict monotheism, and the Jews didn't get out much. They prized being set apart. Who was Jesus going to learn Taoism or Bhuddism from? The Roman guards? They subscribed to Greco-Roman paganism, nothing at all like the Eastern thought. Some Greek philosophies were pantheistic, but the Jews were not about cultural exchange with their Roman overlords. They hated the Romans and wouldn't speak with them unless they had to. The Jews of that period were all about shunning cultures other than their own.

[Catechumen]

Not a Buddhist at all. I try to live my life by the Buddhist philosophy?

Child, there you go again....
That isn't much of an issue for you is it?
Denying what you in fact live your life by?
Wake up and listen to what you are professing.
What you say is a witness to your own heart.
It is not what goes into the mouth that corrupts a man but what comes out of the mouth.
Your own statements are convicting you.
And yes I do care....
For the Sheep under my care.
That I must answer to God for.


P.S.
If you have lost your keys, you search for them....
But once you have found what you seek, does it make any sense whatsoever to keep looking?
"There you go again assuming things and not really trying to find out the truth."
Child, I have found "The Truth", His Name is Jesus. I require no other truth.

Here you go again with some more mindless banter making claims about what I believe and ignoring over half of what I actually posted. Not once have I heard you actually respond to anything I have posted, but you twist my words around and try to make me out to be "the bad guy." My own words aren't convicting me, you just don't understand what I am trying to say and you are too close-minded to try and figure it out.
I respect that you think I'm a false teacher, and I'm perfectly alright with that. It doesn't really matter what you, or anyone else thinks.

If you care to answer what I have actually posted anywhere in the past 2 pages than do so and I will read and respond, otherwise I'm not wasting my time after this post.

[Nadiine]

So riddle me this. The Canaanite paganism was established well before Moses and his companions wrote the Torah (first 5 books of the Bible). However, that religion was very much a false one, and it follows that its teachers were false teachers. And what about the pre-flood humanity, being filled with violence? Surely whoever taught the philosphies and and religions of that evil era was a false teacher.

Also, consider that Jesus grew up in a strict, post-captivity Judaism. The Pharisees had done a good job of squelshing every foriegn philosphy from that isolated culture, because they didn't want another captivity. Strict monotheism, and the Jews didn't get out much. They prized being set apart. Who was Jesus going to learn Taoism or Bhuddism from? The Roman guards? They subscribed to Greco-Roman paganism, nothing at all like the Eastern thought. Some Greek philosophies were pantheistic, but the Jews were not about cultural exchange with their Roman overlords. They hated the Romans and wouldn't speak with them unless they had to. The Jews of that period were all about shunning cultures other than their own.

Great points. The separist mentality they had really shows up in Acts when the converted Gentiles come on the scene.

Which is why I said in a prev. post that if Jesus was "influenced" by anyone, it would be the scribes & Pharisees of His day who were revered by the people as "holy men of God" & most prominant in their society.
Only Jesus saw thru their exterior to know their evil intents & heart.

Also another excellent point about paganism - GOD'S continual theme in scripture is TO STAY AWAY FROM FROM ALL OTHER RELIGIONS & SPIRITUAL PRACTICES - to remain pure & set apart to Himself.

And let's not forget Pauls teaching (who Christ taught directly):
Col 2:8-10 "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the traditions of men, according to the basic principles of the world and not according to Christ."

"For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him who is head of all principality and power."

Good post
Rep on way

[Nadiine]

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As to the anger from some of my fellow Christians, forgive and try to understand how we must fight the current tide of syncretism daily. No, all religions are not the same, and no, you can not be saved by following the Tao. Still, I do agree that an angry response to a sincere question is not a good idea, though I tell you truly, it may come from an honest kind heart.
JR

Great post here, rep on way.

I'd like to speak to the "anger" we're supposed to be "forgiven of"...

RIGHTEOUS ANGER/REBUKE/REPROOF IS NOT WRONG OR BAD. If we truly care about souls, we will work to guard & protect others from ALL spiritual harm.

False teaching makes me angry because of the severe damage it can do to the hearers of it.
I worry MORE for Christians who do NOT get angry when false teaching is introduced as truth because they're showing spiritual apathy OR have agreement in the falsity itself.

Kids get angry at their parents who discipline them - why? Because the punishment/disapproval of the parent hurts them and wounds their pride.
NO CORRECTION IS PLEASANT!! but it doesn't make correction wrong just because it's uncomfortable.

I encourage anyone who gets hurt or upset by "righteous anger/rebuke" to read the New Test. more carefully and notice how HARSH the apostles AND JESUS are on false teachings/false prophets/false teachers/wolves.
Do a study on that subject & you'll see that all they did was harshly rebuke them w/ VERY cutting words of judgment & contempt.

THIS THREAD IS SESAME STREET compared to the rebuke/reproof in the Bible for false teachings like this.

I'd like to add that if Jesus, Paul, John or Peter said what they said in the bible in our culture today, they'de be reprimanded & labeled self-righteous, judgmental hatemongers by the Church today.

Here's some passages I offer as support:
Mt 3:7-10, Mt 23:13-36, Mt 7:6, Prov 26:11, 1 Cor 5:9-12 (not keeping company w/ certain brothers),
Is 66:3 Luke 6:25, Acts 14:4-11, Mt 15:5-9; 21:12-13, 1 Cor 15:33, 1 Tim 5:20, Is. 8:20, Rom 16:17, 2 John 10-11, Ttius 3:10-11 Acts 20:29, Eph. 5:11, 1 Cor 6:9-11, 1 Tim 6:3,
Gal 2:4, Some false brothers arose & infiltrated our ranks. WE DID NOT GIVE INTO THEM FOR A MOMENT so that the truth of the gospel might remain with you.
Jude 4 & 18, 2 Tim 3:5, 1 Cor 15:33,
Titus 1:13-16 Therefore rebuke them sharply so they will be sound in the faith.
Titus 1:9 ..encourage others by sound doctrine and refuse those who oppose it

I do not ask forgiveness for any of my posts in this thread. If what I've done here is 'wrong', then I may as well throw out my Bible for commanding me to fight, contend, expose and guard against such teachings.
I contend against the subjects of the posts, NOT THE PEOPLE WHO POST THEM personally.

I love everyone :kiss: and that's why I will continue to 'contend earnestly for the faith'. :hug:

[Wisdom's Child]

Here you go again with some more mindless banter making claims about what I believe and ignoring over half of what I actually posted. Not once have I heard you actually respond to anything I have posted, but you twist my words around and try to make me out to be "the bad guy." My own words aren't convicting me, you just don't understand what I am trying to say and you are too close-minded to try and figure it out.
I respect that you think I'm a false teacher, and I'm perfectly alright with that. It doesn't really matter what you, or anyone else thinks.

If you care to answer what I have actually posted anywhere in the past 2 pages than do so and I will read and respond, otherwise I'm not wasting my time after this post.

Alright, if you insist...

Buddhism is a philosophy of life and was never meant to be a religion in the first place.


Amazingly like the teachings of Jesus. Christianity went from following the way of life that Jesus taught, to being a religion about Jesus shortly after Emperor Constantine. Christianity was never meant to be a religion either.


Much of what peoople currently think Buddhists teach was actually not taught by the Buddha himself, but was invented hundreds of years later and read into his writings using biased interpretations by people who wanted to turn it into a religion so they could have power over other people. Similiar things happened and are still happening with Christianity and the Bible.


Ok, there are similarities, so what?
Similar events and situations that happened to occur are meaningless.
Let us look at the U.S. Constitution, here is a written document which was intended to be the foundation for the life of a nation, yet 200 years later it has had it's share of biased interpretation by those who desire power over others as well, and it also has it's share of ultra conservative followers which truely believe it is as sacred as the Holy Bible. Does the U.S. Constitution therefore qualify as being compatible with Christianity? Most certainly not, because it is currently the tool being used to suppress Christian expression in many public venues.


To answer your question: yes, they are most definitely compatible. Jesus was influenced heavily by Buddhism and Taoism and the Eastern religions and this shows in His teachings. The golden rule, among other teachings, originally comes from the Buddha.

I'm sorry, but try as I may, I can not find a single reference to Jesus quoting Buddha. The only quotes that I can find are from the Old Testament. If it is possible, maybe you could provide an authorative reference to Jesus quoting Buddha that I may examine.
As for Jesus being heavily influenced by Buddhism, what does that tell you about who Jesus was? and about who Buddha was? Hmmm?
If one can so influence the other as to form the basis of phylosophy and teaching then Jesus must have been a follower and/or student of Buddha. And if that is the case, then when Jesus told everybody that he recieved His Teachings from His Father, then either Buddha is The God of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob, or Jesus was a deciever. So which is it?


Explain to me the similarities between the first chapter of Genesis and the first chapter of the Tao Te Ching without saying that the latter influenced the former, since it was written hundreds of years before.


Ok, let's take a look at the first chapter of Tao Te Ching.


1. The Tâo that can be trodden is not the enduring and unchanging Tâo. The name that can be named is not the enduring and unchanging name.

2. (Conceived of as) having no name, it is the Originator of heaven and earth; (conceived of as) having a name, it is the Mother of all things.

3. Always without desire we must be found,
If its deep mystery we would sound;
But if desire always within us be,
Its outer fringe is all that we shall see.

4. Under these two aspects, it is really the same; but as development takes place, it receives the different names. Together we call them the Mystery. Where the Mystery is the deepest is the gate of all that is subtle and wonderful.


Oh yea, how could I have possibly missed that?
Genesis, Chapter 1
The Epic of Creation
Tao Te Ching, Chapter 1
The Tao is a Mystery involving two opposing aspects

I honestly cannot explain similarities that simply do not exist.
Sorry...


Also, John 1:1 has an astonishingly similar passage in the Tao Te Ching.


This one took time to find, but I think you are refering to...


Chapter 42, Part 1
The Tao produced One; One produced Two; Two produced Three;
Three produced All things. All things leave behind them the Obscurity
(out of which they have come), and go forward to embrace the
Brightness (into which they have emerged), while they are harmonised
by the Breath of Vacancy.


This is as close as I could find to John 1: 1.
Now how similar are these two passages? not very.


I'm not saying Christ didn't teach truth that was from God, because all truth is from God.

So tell me, is God the "Tao which has no name" or is God "Tao which is Mother of All Things"?
Answering that could help me understand except for one additional problem. According to the Tao Te Ching, chapter 56 "He who knows (the Tao) does not (care to) speak (about it); he
who is (ever ready to) speak about it does not know it."
If you were to tell me, you in doing so, would prove that you couldn't really know, because if you speak of it then you don't really know it.

That my friend is why I know nothing about Tao.


It is important, however, to note that Christ lived at a time when everyone read the Tao Te Ching, and other Eastern philosophical books, and He was indeed heavily influenced by them since it was and still is the most widely read book on the planet.

Once again I would like to see a little documentation to back up that statement. Considering the fact that the Pharisees were ever vigilant against outside "phylosophies". And furthermore, when exactly was the Tao translated into greek, aramaic, latin, or hebrew to facilitate such a wide readership?


What you don't realize is that the Tao Te Ching was written BEFORE the Bible, so when the Bible talks about false teachers arising, it must be talking about religions that would develop in the future. Nice try though. I find it pretty sad, actually, that you don't even seem to know what the Tao Te Ching is, as evidenced by the content of your posts, even though it's the most influential book in human history.


Have you ever considered this possibility?
Way back in history there was an event that occured shortly after the Great Flood. A man by the name of Nimrod founded a city and erected a great tower called the Tower of Babel. Now Noah you see was still around, up to just before Abram left Ur. And Noah was a righteous man, and knowledgable because he had a personal relationship with God, and also had the gift of prophesy. The "Truth" has always been available, but by the time Nimrod came along, there were a few generations there which no longer concerned themselves with such details. Unfortunately those poor folks got their language confounded and were scattered throughout the world. They no longer had the language or availability to go back to Noah to get their story straight. Therefore many "Mystery" religions have arose throughout the years that have teachings remarkably similar to Christianity, but are flawed because they started with imperfect memories of 2nd hand knowledge passed down by Noah. Only the "chosen" Hebrew peoples which stuck by Noah, and Abraham had access to the "good stuff".
That should explain alot for all you fine folks out there who see remarkable similarities in the numerous "mystery cults" and pagan phylosophies of the world. They all originate with The Tower of Babel. The Truth became a Mystery to them until the Mystery was revealed in Christ Jesus.

[brotherChristian]

You know, Buddisim is the most misunderstood religion ever? Actually the main point of Buddism is to be one with the divine...Buddha (for them at least) and some monks strive their whole lives to get to that point of meditation but for us there is one word that does it for us, that gives us a connection to the divine...Jesus!

I can assure you that Gautama never referred to himself as 'divine'. He was very in touch with the moral tao which God infused in all things at creation and developed a philosophy of life around it. A philosophy I followed for many a year. And yes, I did learn to live a life of kindness with respect for others, but that life was empty and meaningless until I focused my sight on Jesus.

[cubanito]

1. The Tâo that can be trodden is not the enduring and unchanging Tâo. The name that can be named is not the enduring and unchanging name.

2. (Conceived of as) having no name, it is the Originator of heaven and earth; (conceived of as) having a name, it is the Mother of all things.

3. Always without desire we must be found,
If its deep mystery we would sound;
But if desire always within us be,
Its outer fringe is all that we shall see.

4. Under these two aspects, it is really the same; but as development takes place, it receives the different names. Together we call them the Mystery. Where the Mystery is the deepest is the gate of all that is subtle and wonderful.


I do not believe Jesus was influenced by Bhuddism. However, if He was, if indeed the complete speculation of those that would have Him travel to India or Tibet in those 12 siletn years of the Gospel accounts is true, it wouldn't matter at all to me.

Let us suppose that Jesus spent years in bhuddist monasteries, or following a Hindu "holy man" or whatever. Please understand this is sheer speculation, a complete fabrication with not a shred of historical evidence, but then again, not uterly impossible.

If that is so, then Jesus rejected the heart of Bhuddism, Tao and Hinduism. Where are the reincarnative cycles in His teaching? Where is the impersonal nameless one-with-nature god? We see a very personal relationship, with a God that is set apart from nature, and most definitely has a Name. We also see that while everyone is a god, He Himself said "Before Abraham, I AM" Thus He is in a unique Eternal position, one that Gautama never claimed.

But for me the most stark difference between the Christian life we are enjoined to live and all the Eastern stuff is summed up in the word "desire." If there is one common thread that runs through all Eastern philosophy, it is the condemnation of desire. Plaese note: while it is better to do good than evil, it is best to do NOTHING AT ALL!! That is the teaching of the East.

How starkly different the impassiionate speaking and actions of Christ! YOu do not see Him standing apart from humanity continously seeking inner peace. No, you see Him knee deep in lepers, thieves, whores, even traitors, yelling curses and even physically violent at the professional religious of His day. This is NOT Bhudda, this is not the passive non-violent monk of the east. This is a Righteous Jew screaming "Repent, you vicious snakes and putrid toobstiones!" in the middle of the street. They HAD to crucify Him. With Christ you either Worship or curse, but calling Him a polite calm teacher is an invention. How can ANYONE read Matt 22 and believe in the mild and meek Jesus? How can anyone read His words that now is come the time to sell your tunic and buy a sword and think Him totally nonviolent?

To follow the Tao, or the original teachings of Bhuddah, you must forego desire. Including the desire to materially prosper the poor and yourself.

Only one can be right, for Jesus, whatever influence (or NOT) He may have received, was clearly not following the Tao.

JR

[SoulReaper]

WHAT???
What you're saying here is, JESUS DIDN'T COME WITH GOD'S MESSAGE, BUT CAME TO EARTH & WAS INFLUENCED BY BUDDHA'S & OTHER'S RELIGIOUS TEACHINGS INSTEAD?
Jesus said He came with His FATHER'S WORD to do THE WORKS OF HIS FATHER.
Jn 10:25, John 7:16-19 My doctrine is not Mine, but HIS who sent Me..."
John 14:10 "..the words I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works."

JESUS IS FULLY GOD and became FULLY MAN. In that Humanity (in which He limited Himself to rely ONLY upon God His Father), He brought and relayed GOD'S MESSAGE TO MAN, is GOD INFLUENCED BY BUDDHA?
I cannot believe what I'm seeing here!

Who came first, God or Buddha???

The law of LOVE came long before Buddha. It's in the OT Laws.
Lev. 19:18 Love your neighbor as yourself.
Deut 6:5 Love the Lord your God...
Prov 10:12 Love covers sins.... etc.

CHRIST ONLY ELEVATED THE LAW OF LOVE WHICH ALREADY EXISTED TO RELAY THAT LOVE OF OTHERS FULFILLS THE LAW'S PURPOSE.
If you LOVE others, you automatically do GOOD to them.

Most importantly, BUDDHA DID NOT POINT TO THE LIVING GOD OF THE BIBLE AS TRUTH, but introduced FALSITIES - spirituality WITHOUT GOD.
Works' based secular philosophies devoid of the True GOD.

Let's see how "compatible" Christ is w/ Buddhism:
Buddhism says: "Be lamps UNTO YOURSELVES, do not return to any external refuge... work out your own salvation with diligence." Mahaparinibbana-Sutta 2:33, 6:10 from the Pali Canon.

GOD didn't follow Buddha - Buddha grabbed a handful of God's original principles & spun them into another false belief system.
JUST AS SATAN DOES: USES PARTS OF THE TRUTH TO LIE, SEDUCE AND DESTROY.

HUMAN SPIRITUALITY WITHOUT THE LIVING GOD

do you have any real proof that Jesus' teachings and beliefs are from God?

do you have any real proof that Jesus is the Son of God?

we have as much proof as someone saying that Mohammed was a prophet of God....none at all....only a BOOK says it....a book can be edited and changed to fit the writers ideals....

Christianity is similar to other religions in the respect that there is no evidence for many of its beliefs....

[Nadiine]

do you have any real proof that Jesus' teachings and beliefs are from God?

do you have any real proof that Jesus is the Son of God?

we have as much proof as someone saying that Mohammed was a prophet of God....none at all....only a BOOK says it....a book can be edited and changed to fit the writers ideals....

Christianity is similar to other religions in the respect that there is no evidence for many of its beliefs....

With all due respect, that's not what this OP is about.
Being that this is a Christians Only section, I don't think it would be the place to debate Jesus being true or not.
:)

Other than that, I'm really not interested in debating that issue because so many scholars and others have lists of the proof of all the events along w/ prophecy.
I don't feel any need to rehash what others successfully and eloquently already relay.

But by Jesus' own claims, His message and doctrine were NOT influenced whatsoever by Buddha or Buddhism.

I think there are other threads in other areas that discuss your subject matter that you can check out in the non Christian section.
:)

[Nadiine]

Only one can be right, for Jesus, whatever influence (or NOT) He may have received, was clearly not following the Tao.

JR

thanks for that info, I briefly studied buddhism about 9 yrs ago & have forgotten much of it by now.

I think what's KEY in this is, JESUS' OWN CLAIM as to who's message He came with. We either believe HIM or we claim He's lying. That it's an influence of Buddha's message, not all from His Father...
That's what frustrates me in this thread.

Are we as Christians believing Jesus' claims? or making up our own just because Buddha taught some "love" principles & we run off & attribute them to Christianity?

I for one am going to believe what my Bible tells me - because man can use good philosophy and turn it into any false religion.

[Wisdom's Child]

do you have any real proof that Jesus' teachings and beliefs are from God?

do you have any real proof that Jesus is the Son of God?

we have as much proof as someone saying that Mohammed was a prophet of God....none at all....only a BOOK says it....a book can be edited and changed to fit the writers ideals....

Christianity is similar to other religions in the respect that there is no evidence for many of its beliefs....

:eek: Do you realise that if you do not fully believe that Jesus is Truely The Begotten Son of God that you have no buisness posting in the Christians Only section?

First off, "Real Proof" would invalidate Faith, which is The Evidence of things unseen.

Secondly, Jesus is The Son of God because HE SAID SO.
If you for one moment believe that Jesus is a deciever, or a liar or misrepresented himself, then not only are you not a Christian, your very Soul is in Danger of Hellfire because unless He is Without Blemish, His Pure Sacrifice upon The Cross is INSUFFICIENT.
He would have simply been another man dying in Sin, and therefore Christianity itself would be void of Truth.

Consider that (look at Catholic Faith Icon) the next time you attend Mass and stand before the "Real Presence" of The Eucharist.

[twistedsketch]

do you have any real proof that Jesus' teachings and beliefs are from God?

do you have any real proof that Jesus is the Son of God?

we have as much proof as someone saying that Mohammed was a prophet of God....none at all....only a BOOK says it....a book can be edited and changed to fit the writers ideals....

Christianity is similar to other religions in the respect that there is no evidence for many of its beliefs....
He would not have raised from the dead if He was not the Son of God. And if He was the Son of God, His teachings would have come from God and not Bhudda. But let's go back to the Resurrection. When you look at the history, it takes more faith to believe He didn't rise from the grave than to believe that He did.

[ForumGuy]

Catechumen :
Maybe people have been to hard, but you can't blame them for being a little concerened. It is only natrul Christians to worry about each other. And frankly some of the stuff you said gives me cause for concern.
Jesus inspired by the Buddha?! Do you believe Jesus is God? If so, how can you belive he was inspired by anyone else? If you in anyway question Jesus' divinity YOU ARE DEPARTING FROM CHRISTITANITY. PERIOD (its the reason Jehovah's Witness is not considered Christan).
Just what Bhuddist beliefs are you embracing exactly? Does any of it contradict with the Christitanity you have been taught or that the Holy Spirit has shown you?
If so, pray to the Lord and watch your step. I notice you seem to avoid outlining what parts of Bhudism your following...

Anyway as for the topic itself, the Bhudist relgion has some merit, though a lot of it incompatiable with Christianity, and the rest can be in Christianity or God if you look deeply enough or seek him deeply enough (deeper than many lead us to seek him).

[Brushstroke]

You can lock this. Pointless debating anyway. I now realize that I don't need any belief or philosophy other than Jesus Christ, and His Word. Buddhism is appealing, but there's no need for it.

[PegasusOnFire]

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This thread is being closed for staff review and cleaning.

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