Can
a Christian Practice Buddhism?
Dear Mr. Zukeran,
As I was searching the net for local Buddhist temples I came across
Probe's website and as I was scanning down the page I came to
your explanation of the differences between Jesus and Gautama.
It was very eye opening, and I've never heard it explained that
way before. I was raised in a Christian home but am also interested
in Buddhism. Do you think there is a way for Christians to also
practice Buddhism? Or is that not possible? Thank you very much
for your time.
-Sara
Dear Sara,
Generally speaking, Christianity and Buddhism are built on two
different worldviews. So at their foundations they teach contradictory
positions. Northern Buddhism usually adheres to a pantheistic
worldview while Southern Buddhism and schools like Zen Buddhism
teach atheism. Buddhism may have some teachings that agree with
Christianity such as some of the ethical teachings but at the
basic level the two have contradictory teachings. For example
what happens after death? Most Buddhist schools teach reincarnation
while the Bible teaches Hebrews 9:7 "It is appointed for
each person to die once, and then comes the judgment." Jesus
taught His disciples to "love the Lord your God with all
your heart, soul, mind, and strength." Buddha taught to relinquish
all desires. The Bible teaches that life is found in a relationship
with God through Christ. Buddha taught life is about the emptying
of the self. Buddhism teaches that man is basically good and the
answer to man’s problem is enlightenment. The Bible teaches
that man is sinful and the answer to his problem is not within
him but in a perfect savior who died for his sins, Jesus Christ.
So at the foundational issues, the two systems are contradictory.
Can a Christian study about Buddhism? Sure, but as in all things,
one must be discerning and measure all teachings with God's word,
the Bible.
Thanks for your question.
Patrick Zukeran
Patrick
Zukeran
Probe Ministries
Host of Evidence and Answers Radio show
www.evidenceandanswers.org
