Buddhism books: throw, recycle, donate, pass on, burn?

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Berean
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I guess, to you, this is interpreted as " In the beginning was the Bible, and the bible was with God and the Bible was God".......and then the bible became flesh? What Version, may I ask, do you believe this bible was?
The Word became flesh v.14 ties in with v.1 'and the Word was God' which ties in with Gen 1:1 'In the beginning God' which ties in with Gen 1:3 'Then God said...'.
I read from many translations, but I don't assume how others interpret Scripture.

Maybe when you want to quit with the snarks, we can have a conversation?
 
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RaymondG

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In Matthew 4:4 Jesus said, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God." For the Christian the Bible is food that nourishes our souls. If the Bible nourishes us then books that contradict what the Bible says will harm us. If you found that some food you had was contaminated and would harm anyone who ate it I am sure you would throw it out and make sure that no one can eat it. Shouldn't you have the same attitude toward anything that would harm people's souls?
Lets say that one was found by the Love of God........ How can the reading of words separated him from that Love?
 
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RaymondG

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The Word became flesh v.14 ties in with v.1 'and the Word was God' which ties in with Gen 1:1 'In the beginning God' which ties in with Gen 1:3 'Then God said...'.
I read from many translations, but I don't assume how others interpret Scripture.

Maybe when you want to quit with the snarks, we can have a conversation?
I am unfamiliar with snarks.....although I heard that they were mentioned along with grumpkins on a popular television series.

however I do not see how this relates to my words.....nor how your verses on the Word, relates to physical books. This thread is about the reading of physical book, and the spirit or powers that they discuss.

If this dialogue brings any negative thoughts to your mind....we can stop the conversation here.
 
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Berean
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Do you know of anyone who followed Buddism an d ended up in Hell? If not, how can we make this claim?

I can show you a account of people who call Jesus , Lord Lord, who will end up in hell. Wouldnt it be better to focus on that which we know...?
I've never followed anyone into hell if that is what you are asking.
Those who follow Buddhism are in effect saying God's Word is not sufficient, when it says it is.
They are following a course that denys Jesus is the ONLY Way, ONLY Truth and ONLY Life, when Jesus says He is thus calling Jesus a liar.

Yes, they called Jesus Lord and relied on their good works but were never born again...reread..

Matthew 7:21-23 NASB
[21] "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. [22] Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' [23] And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.'
 
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Berean
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I am unfamiliar with snarks.....although I heard that they were mentioned along with grumpkins on a popular television series.

however I do not see how this relates to my words.....nor how your verses on the Word, relates to physical books. This thread is about the reading of physical book, and the spirit or powers that they discuss.

If this dialogue brings any negative thoughts to your mind....we can stop the conversation here.
Jesus said unless you are born again you will not see the Kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 2:10-11,14 NASBS
[10] For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. [11] For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God. [14] But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.
 
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Romans 8

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Honestly... the number of replies on here essentially saying "burn them, it's a false religion, you don't want to help lead people to hell" is pretty worrying. That attitude can do far more to put earnest seekers OFF Christianity than any number of books about Buddhism or other teachings could. I'm serious. If that was truly what Christianity was about — striving to silence and destroy every other religious teaching on earth on the grounds that "we're right and everything else is of Satan" — I for one wouldn't be a Christian. It was partly that mentality among some Christians (fortunately not the majority, as I eventually realised) that turned me completely off Christianity for years. I doubt I'm the only one that has happened to. o_O

And you know, if you stop and think about it logically... if someone is interested in Buddhism — considering taking it up, or needing to research it academically, or anything in between — then if they don't find your particular books, they'll find others, or else look it up online. Burning or else destroying your handful of Buddhist books won't get rid of Buddhism. It won't stop people out there from being drawn to Buddhism. (It might even have the opposite effect, like I said before. Nothing like banning an idea for making people think there must be something in it. :rolleyes: )

You're missing the point. How does it look to a non-believer when a Christian is giving them books on Buddhism?
How is throwing away Buddhism books attempting to "destroy" Buddhism?
Jesus taught that He is the way, the light, and the life. This is what Christians should believe and explain to non-believers, we should never condone other religions, that's Satan's job. Have you noticed that all religion except Christianity are praised by the media? Have you wondered why Christianity is the only religion they ridicule condemn, and are trying to silence?
The best way to teach non-believers is to believe what's in the Bible and live it the best you can. This is what non-believers will respond to. God Bless!
 
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Resha Caner

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A year ago I would never have thought I'd ask a question like this! But in clearing out my book shelf I am faced with issues about passing on the Buddhist philosophy, or the worship of other idols. What are we Christian's supposed to do with these things?
I mean ... book burning? No way! But really - if Jesus is the Way then why would I pass on books about any other "way"? Yet it feels disrespectful to dispose of these books. I threw out a couple of Buddha statues from my garden though ... so what would you do and what do you think? What does the bible say?
Some guidance here would be helpful.

Book burning as a close-minded attempt to destroy the work of others is not a good idea. But that doesn't mean burning a book is always bad. If you simply don't want to pass on the information, there's nothing wrong with quietly destroying it.

I faced a similar dilemma a few years ago when I was studying Islam for my history degree. I debated buying a Koran, and eventually decided not to. I didn't want to fund someone who is publishing what I consider to be false, and didn't want to make that material accessible to my children.
 
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parousia70

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Those who follow Buddhism are in effect saying God's Word is not sufficient, when it says it is.
They are following a course that denys Jesus is the ONLY Way, ONLY Truth and ONLY Life, when Jesus says He is thus calling Jesus a liar.

I suppose then that would be the same for those who follow Crossfit, or Vegetarianism, or Auto Mechanics, Or Classical Music, or Cardiology...All peoples who partake/follow in those things are "following a course that denys Jesus is the ONLY Way, ONLY Truth and ONLY Life, when Jesus says He is thus calling Jesus a liar."

Buddhism, If followed lands someone in hell. Period.

CrossFit, if followed, lands someone in Hell, Period.
Vegetarianism, if followed, lands someone in Hell, Period.
Auto Mechanics, if followed, lands someone in Hell, Period.
Cardiology, if followed, lands someone in Hell, Period.
Classical Music, if followed, lands someone in Hell, Period.

The list is clearly exhaustive and likely unending.
 
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RaymondG

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You're missing the point. How does it look to a non-believer when a Christian is giving them books on Buddhism?
It looks like we trust the words of Jesus......Heaven and earth shall pass away but my words will stand forever......reading other books will not change that. However, no one is suggesting giving books to individuals.....Ive only seen donations to libraries and such. One would have to give an explanation for instruction to blindly hand books, that they deem harmful, to individuals.

Have you wondered why Christianity is the only religion they ridicule condemn, and are trying to silence?

we know why this happens.......we are reaping what we sow. If we sow apples, we will reap apple.

For example....look at the following thought you put into the air:

we should never condone other religions, that's Satan's job.

Do you expect, when harvest time come, that people, who dont believe what you believe, will support you in any way?
 
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bekkilyn

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Honestly... the number of replies on here essentially saying "burn them, it's a false religion, you don't want to help lead people to hell" is pretty worrying. That attitude can do far more to put earnest seekers OFF Christianity than any number of books about Buddhism or other teachings could. I'm serious. If that was truly what Christianity was about — striving to silence and destroy every other religious teaching on earth on the grounds that "we're right and everything else is of Satan" — I for one wouldn't be a Christian. It was partly that mentality among some Christians (fortunately not the majority, as I eventually realised) that turned me completely off Christianity for years. I doubt I'm the only one that has happened to. o_O

And you know, if you stop and think about it logically... if someone is interested in Buddhism — considering taking it up, or needing to research it academically, or anything in between — then if they don't find your particular books, they'll find others, or else look it up online. Burning or else destroying your handful of Buddhist books won't get rid of Buddhism. It won't stop people out there from being drawn to Buddhism. (It might even have the opposite effect, like I said before. Nothing like banning an idea for making people think there must be something in it. :rolleyes: )

Oh gosh yes, that was me too for a few years in my 20's. When the followers of a religion seem anything BUT joyful and happy and loving, how could anyone find such a religion to be even remotely appealing to want to turn into someone like that? However, God is not like all the false gods that people build up in his name and in the name of Christianity. He is much bigger than they are and can use even a book on Buddhism to reach out to the people he loves.
 
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Petros2015

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Depends on your understanding of the message. For sin must always start with the woman....for reaching the man.......even if the man is single.......

I'm not sure what the understanding is there. Sounds like it would make a good thread topic under the Egalitarian forum though ;) Let me know if you start one there, I'll bring the popcorn.
 
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Kerensa

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For sin must always start with the woman....

Ummm... I'm not even going to comment on this remark, as that would be wildly off topic. I'm just going to say there is a TON of evidence — Biblical, let alone historical — to show it up as a complete and malicious falsehood.

Back on topic... o_O

I've read through all of the replies and there are a few things I don't understand.
Why do so many seem to fail to make a distinction between A) there is good in other religions (in this case Buddhism) and B) God chooses to work through that good: And Therefore, said religions are safe to promote (pass on to others via books)

As far as I can see, giving a book to a charity shop isn't "promoting" it or the religion it teaches about. You're not standing there on a street corner holding it up and shouting out how good it is and why people should buy it and become a Buddhist (or whatever else). That would be promoting.

Furthermore, that we can infallibly decipher the good from the bad and so not reject the good. But can we? Can you positively assure yourself of such impeccability? I know I can't.

Well... as I've said, that's what happened to me. It wasn't my own discernment that told me what I'd found in Christianity was better than all the other religions I'd read up on; it was God. I'm certain of that — and I was an agnostic up to that point! But there were good ideas in those other teachings that helped to point me in the right direction; I knew even at the time that they made some sense but there was still something missing. There had to be something more, and I finally found it (or Him). The same thing could easily happen (and has) to others who are seeking. So who am I to say by what means God is able to speak to them at first, or not? :glowingstar:
 
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Berean
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I suppose then that would be the same for those who follow Crossfit, or Vegetarianism, or Auto Mechanics, Or Classical Music, or Cardiology...All peoples who partake/follow in those things are "following a course that denys Jesus is the ONLY Way, ONLY Truth and ONLY Life, when Jesus says He is thus calling Jesus a liar."



CrossFit, if followed, lands someone in Hell, Period.
Vegetarianism, if followed, lands someone in Hell, Period.
Auto Mechanics, if followed, lands someone in Hell, Period.
Cardiology, if followed, lands someone in Hell, Period.
Classical Music, if followed, lands someone in Hell, Period.

The list is clearly exhaustive and likely unending.
I'm not familiar with Crossfit but I am familiar with vegetarianism, auto mechanics, cardiology etc., and as far as I know they do not claim to be a 'way' to Life or do they claim that the 'silencing of the mind' is a goal for personal peace.
Tell me, doesn't Buddhism teach many paths? Jesus taught only ONE.
 
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section9+1

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So the message is......folllow what you believe, and burn everything that sounds contrary to it? Is this the message of Christ?
You can derive that from his message. But then again how many really care what he says and instead dream up what sounds nice to them.
 
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Cis.jd

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OP ... clearly you decided to follow Jesus!

Here is my suggestion. Get the books on Buddhism, open them halfway, find a page with open space ... write "I decided to follow Jesus", then write your favorite verse from the Bible. Then donate the books to the Library. :)

Your testimony is likely to be convincing to other people. Why not put it to good work.
You are suggesting vandalism?
 
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