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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 10/22/2008 1:49:30 PM
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RamiRedeemed
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Four Noble Truths:
1. Life means suffering.
I wouldn't agree that life is suffering, but that we'll surely suffer in life. Jesus said that in the world you would have tribulation.
2. The origin of suffering is attachment to transient things and the ignorance thereof.
I believe the origin of suffering is sin, and being attached to anything beyond God is indeed sin. Transient of course meaning things that are not lasting. You cannot serve two masters...
3. The cessation of suffering is attainable.
The cessation of suffering can be attained through nirodha. Nirodha means the unmaking of sensual craving and conceptual attachment. The third noble truth expresses the idea that suffering can be ended by attaining dispassion. Nirodha extinguishes all forms of clinging and attachment. This means that suffering can be overcome through human activity, simply by removing the cause of suffering. Attaining and perfecting dispassion is a process of many levels that ultimately results in the state of Nirvana. Nirvana means freedom from all worries, troubles, complexes, fabrications and ideas. Nirvana is not comprehensible for those who have not attained it.
Suffering can end, in my opinion, only in heaven. Jesus, not Nirvana, means freedom.
4. The path to the cessation of suffering.
There is a path to the end of suffering - a gradual path of self-improvement, which is described more detailed in the Eightfold Path. It is the middle way between the two extremes of excessive self-indulgence (hedonism) and excessive self-mortification (asceticism); and it leads to the end of the cycle of rebirth. The latter quality discerns it from other paths which are merely "wandering on the wheel of becoming", because these do not have a final object. The path to the end of suffering can extend over many lifetimes, throughout which every individual rebirth is subject to karmic conditioning. Craving, ignorance, delusions, and its effects will disappear gradually, as progress is made on the path.
Again, the end of suffering is Christ. And of course Karma is against the truths of Christianity.
_____________________________
Some people talk because they have something to say.
Others talk because they have to say something.
-------------------------------
ramireconciled.blogspot.com
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 10/22/2008 2:00:46 PM
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eaglesfeather
Posts: 193
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quote:
ORIGINAL: bravjim
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.
Thanks bravjim
I believe some denominations do make the statues, but I don't think any actually pray to the statues. From what I know, the statues are just symbols of what they are trying to achieve or to remind them of mindful living. I actually think there are Christian denominations that give more importance to the "Christian" statues and symbols than the Buddhists do with theirs.
I know it appears that they are praying to the statues, but from my research they are not. Believe me, that was a question of mine as well.
For your quoted verse. I'm curious what book, chapter, and verse is that? I would like to read around it more and I can't recall where to find it.
As I asked some of the others what do you suspect were their options to find truth in India 500 BC?
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 10/22/2008 2:10:48 PM
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eaglesfeather
Posts: 193
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From: Michigan
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quote:
RamiRedeemed
I seriously appreciate the fact that you went and read that RamiRedeemed and I appreciate your answers.
I agree with your answers too. I think I could discuss each one further but I would only take everything in new directions.
Do you have any thoughts on what their other options could have been in India 500 BC? (besides Hinduism)
Thanks again
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 10/22/2008 2:28:30 PM
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bravjim
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quote:
ORIGINAL: eaglesfeather
quote:
ORIGINAL: bravjim
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.
Thanks bravjim
I believe some denominations do make the statues, but I don't think any actually pray to the statues. From what I know, the statues are just symbols of what they are trying to achieve or to remind them of mindful living. I actually think there are Christian denominations that give more importance to the "Christian" statues and symbols than the Buddhists do with theirs.
I know it appears that they are praying to the statues, but from my research they are not. Believe me, that was a question of mine as well.
For your quoted verse. I'm curious what book, chapter, and verse is that? I would like to read around it more and I can't recall where to find it.
As I asked some of the others what do you suspect were their options to find truth in India 500 BC?
It is 1 Cor chapter 2. the exact verses that I quoted were verses 4 & 5, but the whole chapter relates to an extent. It was an argument by Paul to not put their faith in the philosophies of the Greeks, but in the knowledge that God reveals throught the Holy Spirit, at least as I understand it.
_____________________________
I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfilll the lust of the flesh.
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 10/22/2008 2:31:05 PM
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eaglesfeather
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bravjim,
Good stuff. Thanks and I'll go read it soon.
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 10/22/2008 2:33:05 PM
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RamiRedeemed
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quote:
ORIGINAL: eaglesfeather
Do you have any thoughts on what their other options could have been in India 500 BC? (besides Hinduism)
Thanks again
Perhaps they believed and it was accounted to them as righteousness? I really have no idea.
_____________________________
Some people talk because they have something to say.
Others talk because they have to say something.
-------------------------------
ramireconciled.blogspot.com
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 10/22/2008 2:54:19 PM
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Wild-Rose
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quote:
Do you have any thoughts on what their other options could have been in India 500 BC? (besides Hinduism)
They could have chosen to believe in the One True God. For example the Native Americans (many of the tribes) believe in one God, all knowing, all loving. He was evident to them just like it says in Romans.
_____________________________
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 3:01:54 PM
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eaglesfeather
Posts: 193
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Wild-Rose
quote:
Do you have any thoughts on what their other options could have been in India 500 BC? (besides Hinduism)
They could have chosen to believe in the One True God. For example the Native Americans (many of the tribes) believe in one God, all knowing, all loving. He was evident to them just like it says in Romans.
That's extremely interesting about some of the native Americans. I never knew that.
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 10/22/2008 3:27:54 PM
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solarflare
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Hi...the title of this thread: Does Christianity disprove Buddhism?
Disprove as in invalidate it? Disprove as in show a better way? Not sure just how to answer that. However, I do know the following:
1) Buddhism is the most culturally popular belief system in the West (remembering it did not originate here of course) It has been assimilated into many universities and Hollywood. In the US, it has grown 2.000% since the 70's.
2) An estimated 350 million people are adherents of Buddhism
3) Buddhism IS THE FOUNDATION FOR MOST NEW AGE MYSTICS.
Why is it so popular? As the originator of this thread stated, it can be absorbed in a package suitable to the one interested in it. That, is because Buddhists do NOT believe in god or gods. They have no idols except possibly a Budda. They view humans as the only center....very appealing to many no doubt.....AND because of this, this "religion' is more likely to attract intellectuals and philosophers.
Bottom line: NO ABSOLUTES, as Budda said on his deathbed. "Find your own way." Hmmm...sounds like we are all gods....oh wait, that's New Age.
Unfortunately, Buddhism devalues individuals because it sees them as part of a divine whole. Not god, but everyone, "a" divine 'whole'.
For 200 hundred years after his death, followers of Buddhism were basically unified in their beliefs. Around the 3rd C. BC a major question arose which centered around the thought that perhaps an individual who has reached 'enlightenment' is able to guide others towards the goal....
The Buddhist community was split in two over this.
This split resulted in more factions and continues progressively in this manner today......accounting for the myriad possibilities and repackaging of same, to appeal to Western culture. Buddhism is difficult to summarize and very complex for the above reasons and for the constant repackaging....much like New Age, which again, derives its roots from this religion.
Today there are 5 main branches of Buddhism and many interpretations within each group. The Buddhism led by the Dalai Lama, popular on this continent, emphasizes gaining power and control. It is inconsistent and illogical to believe that every person picks and chooses his or her own truth. Yet, it is exactly this inconsistency that is embraced by Buddhism.
Buddhists seek the illogical and the contradictory BECAUSE they regard logic and reason as prisons from which the mind must be released.
The biggest contradiction in the Buddhist world view is simply this: If all truth is based on experience and personal interpretation, and, if all authority is personal, why would each sect claim to be more valid than the others?
Well, as we know, and as CHRISTIANITY teaches, TRUTH IS NOT subjective . God has disclosed universal TRUTH in the divinely inspired Scriptures of the Bible and through His Son JESUS THE CHRIST.
The Buddhist doctrine of reincarnation lends itself to certain NA teachings, past-life regression, spirit teachers and energy focus (shakra) The Bible clearly stipulates that people die but once and are then judged (Heb. 9:27).
BUDDHISM:
1. Nothing is permanent
2. You do not really exist
3. Karma, good or bad, determines whether you reincarnate up or down the chain
4. Once you truly deny your own existence (desire), you extinguish the flame of life. You then reach
5. Nirvana and simply cease to be
Where are Buddhists going? In their OWN words, "Nowhere. I don't exist."
< Message edited by solarflare -- 10/22/2008 5:36:48 PM >
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 10/22/2008 3:44:37 PM
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eaglesfeather
Posts: 193
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solarflare,
You bring out some excellent points here and I want to read this 20 more times and digest it a little. I may have a reply tomorrow.
Big thanks to you!
And to answer your first questions. "Disprove as in invalidate it?" is the best description.
< Message edited by eaglesfeather -- 10/22/2008 3:54:42 PM >
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 10/22/2008 5:30:13 PM
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solarflare
Posts: 798
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quote:
ORIGINAL: eaglesfeather
solarflare,
You bring out some excellent points here and I want to read this 20 more times and digest it a little. I may have a reply tomorrow.
Big thanks to you!
And to answer your first questions. "Disprove as in invalidate it?" is the best description.
20 more times? Ouch!  Thanks for defining your question. That's great!!!
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 10/22/2008 5:37:06 PM
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SavedByGraceMD
Posts: 910
Joined: 2/13/2008
From: the poconos
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quote:
ORIGINAL: URForgiven
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
Amen to that UR.
_____________________________
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? - 10/22/2008 5:40:34 PM
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SavedByGraceMD
Posts: 910
Joined: 2/13/2008
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quote:
ORIGINAL: eaglesfeather
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?
If Buddha wound up pointing to the only True and Living God, then maybe you could say that. But he didn't. He pointed to ourselves.
_____________________________
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? - 10/22/2008 5:46:47 PM
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SavedByGraceMD
Posts: 910
Joined: 2/13/2008
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quote:
ORIGINAL: RamiRedeemed
3. The cessation of suffering is attainable.
The cessation of suffering can be attained through nirodha. Nirodha means the unmaking of sensual craving and conceptual attachment. The third noble truth expresses the idea that suffering can be ended by attaining dispassion. Nirodha extinguishes all forms of clinging and attachment. This means that suffering can be overcome through human activity, simply by removing the cause of suffering. Attaining and perfecting dispassion is a process of many levels that ultimately results in the state of Nirvana. Nirvana means freedom from all worries, troubles, complexes, fabrications and ideas. Nirvana is not comprehensible for those who have not attained it.
Suffering can end, in my opinion, only in heaven. Jesus, not Nirvana, means freedom.
Amen Rami!
_____________________________
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? - 10/22/2008 5:48:00 PM
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SavedByGraceMD
Posts: 910
Joined: 2/13/2008
From: the poconos
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quote:
ORIGINAL: eaglesfeather
quote:
RamiRedeemed
I seriously appreciate the fact that you went and read that RamiRedeemed and I appreciate your answers.
I agree with your answers too. I think I could discuss each one further but I would only take everything in new directions.
Do you have any thoughts on what their other options could have been in India 500 BC? (besides Hinduism)
Thanks again
Judaism?
_____________________________
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? - 10/22/2008 8:11:29 PM
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solarflare
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Saved by GraceMD, any ideas of your own? We already read everyone elses. 
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 10/22/2008 8:27:58 PM
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kingdust
Posts: 296
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quote:
Why is it so popular? As the originator of this thread stated, it can be absorbed in a package suitable to the one interested in it. That, is because Buddhists do NOT believe in god or gods. They have no idols except possibly a Budda. They view humans as the only center....very appealing to many no doubt.....AND because of this, this "religion' is more likely to attract intellectuals and philosophers.
Bottom line: NO ABSOLUTES, as Budda said on his deathbed. "Find your own way." Hmmm...sounds like we are all gods....oh wait, that's New Age.
Yes, the popular 'my way' is the very reason to be popular and it is not a new age thing but the old age thing, old as the good old serpent is old.
Why good a serpent?
He was good enough to make his relative opinion sound like 'absolute' enough to appeal to Eve and made her choose to believe the 'absolute' claim from a 'relative' being instead of believing the absolute command from the absolute God.
Buddhism has many absolute commands by many relative beings like Buddha himself plus his disciples who found their own unique ways to get enlightened.
Guess what?
My way claimed as absolute by a relative being will not become true simply because an relative being like me cannot make it come to pass in this absolute reality or physical realm.
Well, maybe as far as my power or life goes, but no more beyond that.
I just cannot commence my life to be of my way that I didn't make according to my way to begin with, much less in the universe I did not created.
All I can do is humbly to comply with the law of the universe, including the absolute physical law.
What is a relative opinion in the absolute realm, physical or spiritual?
How can I make sure that reincarnation come true instead of the judgment seat?
Who in the Buddhism can guarantee that since there is no absolute figure to do so?
If you (general you) are a believer in Buddhism, you are disqualified to be the surety to insure that happen absolutely. You just can't be a believer and the insurer at the same time.
Who is to do that, since Buddha himself commanded that you( as general you) got to find your own way?
_____________________________
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 8:39:19 PM
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SavedByGraceMD
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quote:
ORIGINAL: eaglesfeather
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
The 8 fold path from wiki
"Origin
According to the Pali canon discourses, the Noble Eightfold Path was rediscovered by Gautama Buddha during his quest for enlightenment. It is believed to be an ancient path which has been followed and practiced by all the previous Buddhas. The noble eightfold path is a practice that will lead its practitioner toward self-awakening and liberation. It was revealed by the Buddha to his disciples, so that they could follow the very same path.
In the same way I saw an ancient path, an ancient road, traveled by the Rightly Self-awakened Ones of former times. And what is that ancient path, that ancient road, traveled by the Rightly Self-awakened Ones of former times? Just this noble eightfold path: right view, right aspiration, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, right concentration...I followed that path. Following it, I came to direct knowledge of aging & death, direct knowledge of the origination of aging & death, direct knowledge of the cessation of aging & death, direct knowledge of the path leading to the cessation of aging & death...Knowing that directly, I have revealed it to monks, nuns, male lay followers & female lay followers...
—Nagara Sutta
The practice of the Noble Eightfold Path varies from one Buddhist school to another. Depending on the school, it may be practiced as a whole, only in part, or it may have been modified. Each Buddhist lineage claims the ability to implement the path in the manner most conducive to the development of its students."
1. Right view
2. Right intention
3. Right speech
4. Right action
5. Right livelihood
6. Right effort
7. Right mindfulness
8. Right concentration
I have a question here....which is....who decides what is right in all of these scenarios?
Does each person?
Do you not see a big problem with that?
That seriously contradicts Christianity, does it not?
Not the actual scenarios, but who defines what is right and wrong.
_____________________________
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? - 10/22/2008 9:02:33 PM
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zoebob
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The Bible tells us that all who seek God will find him. If he had truly been seeking God, God would have revealed Himself to him in a way that agreed with Scripture. If he was truly seeking God he would have found him and come up with a philosophy that was in agreement with Judaism then Christianity since it is only by God that we can come to any understanding of Him anyway
_____________________________
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? - 10/23/2008 9:11:57 AM
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timf
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What in Buddhism is a lie?
The perfectibility of man outside of the redemption of God.
If one considers that Satan sets the course of this world (in so far as he is allowed by God), then we might consider that many of the things in the world (including its religions) may have been initiated and sustained by him. One might ask why he would use many religions instead of fighting for just one false religion.
At the time of the birth of Jesus there were many religions in the Middle East based on a virgin birth and resurrected son. We might surmise that Satan hoped to bury any interest in Jesus as just another "mystery" religion.
It may be that he originates many religions (some even in contention with each other) to keep the world confused. If you think of Buddhism as a "step up" from Hinduism, you may be right. However, by the same token, Islam might be a step up from Buddhism.
The question becomes not how close to the truth a religion is, but if is is true or not. Satan has worked to flood the world with many ideas. Most of the occult writings he has had "channeled". It is interesting to read some of these in that in some of them he allows much of the truth. What is most interesting is where he draws the line. He may allow that Jesus existed and that he was a great teacher. However, he never goes so far as to say that Jesus was the Son of God or that He died for sins. By observing what the adversary does not allow, we can mark out what is most important.
It has been said that Satan does not care what you believe as long as it is not the truth. He has quite a number of religions, philosophies, and ideologies (including secularism, the supposed absence of religion but really the worship of man in general and self in particular).
Instead of looking for how much common ground we can enjoy with those held captive by Satan, we might consider asking the Lord to show us how we might bring the whole truth (Jesus) to those whose "enlightenment" is still darkness.
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 10/23/2008 10:13:33 AM
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eaglesfeather
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Thanks to all posters. One reason I'm writing this so nobody thinks I abandoned the thread I started. I'm checking it often and reading with great interest and learning from your informative posts.
While I'm a Christian, I'm taking a mild stance from a Buddhist perspective so I can get input from the strong Christian perspective that exists here. What better way to get educated on a topic, right?
All of your posts address the topic question correctly, but I'm still thinking most of the mentioned facts about Buddhism (including things I've said) are somewhat influenced by religious practice in India and other Eastern countries that came hundreds of years after "it" all happened. I find contridiction in stating that it's all based on the self when only selflessness is taught. Then, there's their philosophies of being truly "mindful". I think a study of that could help anybody become a more loving and spiritually present person.
In Christianity, we have the old and new testament. Then, throughout both of them we have repeted attempts by God to get through to us. It's like we were too stupid to simply believe what we were commanded so our Lord goes to the next thing, and then the next thing to try with us. And eventually, the world was so messed up that the almighty creator of the universe has to give His only begotten Son to this world to crucify in their ignorance and sinful nature to save our stupid souls!
What's the message we refuse to accept? Was it intended to be taught in Buddhism? If it don't match exactly as God would have it can we blame them when we can't even get it right? What's the greatest commandment that Christ told us? This one I know I've seen better examples elsewhere (as a whole, not individually).
I know some of my writing is extremely generalized, but just trying to make points without requiring a lot of reading.
Thanks again!
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 10/23/2008 10:42:35 AM
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SavedByGraceMD
Posts: 910
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quote:
ORIGINAL: eaglesfeather
All of your posts address the topic question correctly, but I'm still thinking most of the mentioned facts about Buddhism (including things I've said) are somewhat influenced by religious practice in India and other Eastern countries that came hundreds of years after "it" all happened. I find contridiction in stating that it's all based on the self when only selflessness is taught. Then, there's their philosophies of being truly "mindful". I think a study of that could help anybody become a more loving and spiritually present person.
But Buddhism is all about self. You decide your own path to reach nirvana. You yourself decide what is right and what is wrong.
That is not what the bible says.
God determines what is right and what is wrong.
And Jesus is the only way, so there is NO other path you could find that will lead you to heaven. You just can't make up your own way when Jesus said I am the way.
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ORIGINAL: eaglesfeather
In Christianity, we have the old and new testament. Then, throughout both of them we have repeted attempts by God to get through to us. It's like we were too stupid to simply believe what we were commanded so our Lord goes to the next thing, and then the next thing to try with us. And eventually, the world was so messed up that the almighty creator of the universe has to give His only begotten Son to this world to crucify in their ignorance and sinful nature to save our stupid souls!
This I do not agree with. While in the OT God did repeatedly prove Himself to His people, and they wound up straying away and had to be punished, nothing ever changed about what God said. He didn't say "oh well, you couldn't keep these commandments, so try these". It was always the same God, with the same commandments, with the same plan for all of humanity.
Yes at the time the Jews were fickle. They were at times stupid. So are we today. We continually turn from God to self, to please us. God still says the same thing He has always said, and the plan has never changed. The whole point of the OT is to show us that it is humanly impossible to keep the commandments, hence the reason for a Savior. THE SAVIOR, Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God slain before the foundation of the world. It has always been about Him, not about us. Which is why buddhism contradicts Christianity. Buddha taught that we could do it on our own, and that God was irrelevant. How does that fit with the Christian teaching?
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ORIGINAL: eaglesfeather
What's the message we refuse to accept? Was it intended to be taught in Buddhism? If it don't match exactly as God would have it can we blame them when we can't even get it right? What's the greatest commandment that Christ told us? This one I know I've seen better examples elsewhere (as a whole, not individually).
The message we refuse to accept, and I think you may be refusing to accept, is that it is not about us. We can not reach heaven on our own. That no one is good, no not one. Again, hence the reason for Jesus. Why He died, and why we need Him.
And no it was not intended to be taught in Buddhism. If it was the message would match up with Christianity. But it does not.
Point by point, we have shown you how buddhism contradicts Christianity. Yet you keep saying that maybe it is true, and that it may be the way it was meant.
How exactly is that possible if what Buddha taught is different from what Jesus taught?
You seem more interested in finding someone who will agree with you than finding out the truth behind your original question.
_____________________________
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? - 10/23/2008 10:51:02 AM
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Wild-Rose
Posts: 426
Joined: 1/11/2006
From: Upstate NY
Status: offline
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quote:
so our Lord goes to the next thing, and then the next thing to try with us. And eventually, the world was so messed up that the almighty creator of the universe has to give His only begotten Son to this world to crucify in their ignorance and sinful nature to save our stupid souls!
No, I disagree. God doesn't have to "try" anything. He knows what will happen. He knew from the beginning that the only solution to the problem of sin was that Christ should come and die and rise again. That was always the plan, not a last attempt effort.
How does Buddhism deal with sin? I don't think that it does at all, except to tell you to work it out yourself. That's why it is full of self. It tells you that you are good enough to work things out yourself. You Yourself are supposed to gain wisdom by yourself. You are supposed to grow in compassion under your own power SOMEHOW. Who knows? That 's why we are telling you that it is a "plan" based on self.
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Wild-Rose
Rejoice that your name is written in heaven. Luke 10:20
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RE: Does Christianity Disprove Buddhism? - 10/23/2008 11:55:46 AM
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eaglesfeather
Posts: 193
Joined: 5/17/2005
From: Michigan
Status: offline
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Yes, in Buddhism they figure out for themselves what is right and wrong. I believe it's possible for a non-Christian to know right from wrong. If not, you couldn't logically know the first step to Christianity is the right choice or it could never even look like an option as a "right" choice. Yes, I know God gave us the ability so it's really Him...
I know God's plan has never changed, but according to your logic you can't know that or anything else you're saying. I guess that's pure literal faith and you're a good example to us.
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