Could the study of Buddhism make one a better Christian?



Peace,

Mark

An unbiased study of other religions and/or philosophies would probably make any person even remotely regarded as intelligent and understanding a "better" person from any point of view.

For such a venture, I'd recommend Buddhism, Sikhism and Taoism. You can't beat them in compassion, tolerance and sound advice for living.

Please bear with my personal paraphrases:

The words of the Buddha: "Don't just take my words for it -- decide what of them works for you".

Sikhism: "Praise the Name, Work honestly in your trade, Help the needy".

Taoism: "Don't act against the Tao (aka Nature)".

When the Dalai Lama was asked what the purpose of religion was, he said "goodness."

How could that not make a christian a better christian?

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The only constant in this universe is change. Are you ready to change??

I found more depth in Christianity after studying Zen. I think depth leads to more tolerance and understanding of all religions and cultures.

Agreed Lightkeeper it helps to view some of the Christ teachings with new eyes and I do feel they compliment each other in their purest essence.

One Buddhist monk said that a good Buddhist is a good Christian and a good Christian is a good Buddhist. I feel the combination of the two probably work better then most.

Buddha showed us the path of wisdom and Christ showed us the way with love.

Love beyond measure

Kim xx

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Love heals the world but compassionate action changes it. Gods will-to-good is compelled by love into compassionate action. To know one’s power of manifestation is to live in true humility of it. Let us all swim in unison and BE as joyful and loving as the dolphin, for it is this pure intent we come to share.

Well said Sacredstar.

Peace

Mark

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An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth, and the whole world will be blind and toothless-M.K. Ghandi

When asked why he would not convert to christianity,after he had spoken of the virtues of the christian faith, Ghandi said, " When I see Christians practicing what they believe, then I will convert." No truer words were ever spoken. Stop talking the talk without walking the walk! You may be the only bible that anyone ever sees.
There is a christian song that goes, " They will know we are christians by our love, by our love." " They will know we are christians by our love." We are called to love unconditionally and that's the bottom line. No matter what the circumstances, we are christians, (Christ like) by the virtue of our understanding of His love in the face of things that we have been taught to distain! In the face of things we cannot understand, we are called to love! In plain english, " Don't believe the hype!" Accept each other and in your disbelief, say only, " There but for the grace of God go I." For you too have been spared this horrible state of being. You too have been spared the ridicule of your fellow beings. Love anyway, for in the end, we will all go before God, and in the end be left to our own severe judgement of ourselves. If there is a moment of judgement, it will be only between me and God. No other being will matter, only my actions between me and my fellow beings, which ultimately do not matter. It is strictly between me and God, not me and anybody else. In other words, what I have done to assist my brothers and sisters in this life is the only thing that matters, but not between me and them, but it is between me and my God in the end.

The bottom line is, help when you can, assist when you are needed. Don't focus on the outcome of your endeavors. Be true to your calling, the calling of your soul and that will be enough.

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Imagine all the people living life in peace,...John Lennon

a better buddhist is...
a better jew is...
a better hindu is...
a better bahai is...
a better muslim is...

Usally they stay within thier particular faith. You are different though because you are able to go beyond dogma and see also the truth in the teachings of Buddha.

I would yes! that would make a better christian. You can go beyond that also and study all spiritual writtings. There is no dout that you will find truths in them as well. Actually the reason far eastern religions appear not to have any value to many westeners is caused by the Judao/Christian. People in the far east also have the opposite which is the Far Eastern bias.

Sure could, good question too. In fact, it should make one a better christian. I want to believe Jesus was a buddhist (after walking to asia) anyhow!

no doubt.

if we believe all knowledge of god, wisdom, morals, ethics and values, are only found in the bible, then we have limited not only ourselves, but god as well.

it's funny... i followed the teachings of jesus more accurately when i stopped believing in him and began to read up on other religions.

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[belief is NOT the same as TRUTH]