2 denominations?

[mamawolf]

Is it possible for one to claim 2 different denominations? My ex husband is claiming Christian buddist? Is that possible? someone help me?

 

[miamited]

hi mamawolf,

Christianity and buddism are not two different denominations. They are two different faiths with their own worldview. They are not compatible in what they teach as 'truth', but can someone mix the two? Sure. An individual can believe whatever they set in their heart as truth.

God bless you.
In Christ, Ted

 

[hwyangel]

Themes of morality, justice, love: These themes are found through both the Buddha's teaching and the Hebrew and Christian Bible.

I'd be in big trouble if Karma was going to finally be my judge. <staff edit> It doesn't excuse my mistakes, but I'm holding out for Grace.

 

[thesunisout]

Is it possible for one to claim 2 different denominations? My ex husband is claiming Christian buddist? Is that possible? someone help me?

Hi mamawolf,

There is no such thing as a Christian buddhist. You cannot follow the teachings of buddha and the teachings of Jesus. They are totally incompatible and contradict one another. To follow what Buddha said you would have to reject what Jesus said. That is why Jesus said:

"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other."

First, Buddha teaches reincarnation, that we will keep coming back in multiple lives until we get it right. Scripture says that it is appointed for man to die once, and then the judgment. We only have one life to get it right, and then we will face Gods judgment. Reincarnation is not true, it is a doctrine of devils.

Buddha also teaches Karma, which is that your good and bad actions (or works) will determine the circumstance of your rebirth. Scripture teaches that we are all sinners, and all face the judgment of God regardless of our works, and the only way to be saved is by accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. That our works are not good enough. It is only by His righteousness and sacrifice for our sins that we are saved.

Here is the Buddha calling God evil, from the Bhuridatta Jataka

"If the creator of the world entire
They call God, of every being be the Lord
Why does he order such misfortune
And not create concord?

If the creator of the world entire
They call God, of every being be the Lord
Why prevail deceit, lies and ignorance
And he such inequity and injustice create?

If the creator of the world entire
They call God, of every being be the Lord
Then an evil master is he, (O Aritta)
Knowing what's right did let wrong prevail!"

This alone shows buddhism to be antichrist. Anyone who claims to be a Christian Buddhist is opposed to the true teachings of Christ and the gospel, and is double-minded towards God. I would pray for your ex-husband to be delivered from it.

 

[thesunisout]

Themes of morality, justice, love: These themes are found through both the Buddha's teaching and the Hebrew and Christian Bible.

I'd be in big trouble if Karma was going to finally be my judge. <staff edit> It doesn't excuse my mistakes, but I'm holding out for Grace.

Jesus Christ is your judge, and mine. There is no such thing as karma, and our works don't have anything to do with our salvation. Our good works are filthy rags before a Holy God. We are saved by His grace alone, by the shedding of His blood upon the cross. Don't let yourself deceived by the enemy; our only hope is in Jesus Christ, and He has saved us. We are Gods children. Our sins have been forgiven and we are washed clean.

 

[mamawolf]

Im second guessing asking this question as it seems to have turned into a argument. It didnt feel right to me when he claimed christian buddist, thats why i asked. Thanks for the advice and insight

 

[Emma677]

I used to be a Buddhist. I think I understand Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity fairly well, and they are all pretty different.

Cotjones is correct in that many so-called beliefs ascribed to Buddhism are actually Hindu beliefs whose vocabulary is used but means something different in Buddhism. The historical Buddha denied the existence of a enduring soul... hence reincarnation is a moot point (reincarnation of what exactly?). Similarly, Karma becomes a very wooly question when you can't even answer who the "you" is that is being effected by "your karma."

Some principles in Buddhism are very beautiful and compatible with Christianity (like non-harm, compassionate action, etc)... but the bottom line in Buddhism is that there is no God and nothing enduring... so that can only be compatible with Christianity if your understanding of God is impersonal, constantly changing, ephemeral. The historical Buddha said pretty bluntly that there is *nothing* that exists from its own end - everything is merely cause and effect.

I became a Christian because I found that I all my efforts as a Buddhist to be a better person amounted to little. I found that I needed God to change. And when my faith in God returned I discovered that God is not an impersonal ever-changing force, but a personal God.

That was not compatible with Buddhism. So I am no longer a Buddhist.

But I think many Buddhists are wonderful people, and I suspect many of them secretly believe in God...

But there are also some very dangerous varieties of Buddhism out there... and some of them do actually worship demons - but they think they are enlightened beings so its all okay. There are deluded persons in all religions, and some religions are more vulnerable to this than others. Vajrayana (Tantra) Buddhism in particular can be very dangerous.

 

[Gnarwhal]

I used to be a Buddhist. I think I understand Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity fairly well, and they are all pretty different.

Cotjones is correct in that many so-called beliefs ascribed to Buddhism are actually Hindu beliefs whose vocabulary is used but means something different in Buddhism. The historical Buddha denied the existence of a enduring soul... hence reincarnation is a moot point (reincarnation of what exactly?). Similarly, Karma becomes a very wooly question when you can't even answer who the "you" is that is being effected by "your karma."

Some principles in Buddhism are very beautiful and compatible with Christianity (like non-harm, compassionate action, etc)... but the bottom line in Buddhism is that there is no God and nothing enduring... so that can only be compatible with Christianity if your understanding of God is impersonal, constantly changing, ephemeral. The historical Buddha said pretty bluntly that there is *nothing* that exists from its own end - everything is merely cause and effect.

I became a Christian because I found that I all my efforts as a Buddhist to be a better person amounted to little. I found that I needed God to change. And when my faith in God returned I discovered that God is not an impersonal ever-changing force, but a personal God.

That was not compatible with Buddhism. So I am no longer a Buddhist.

But I think many Buddhists are wonderful people, and I suspect many of them secretly believe in God...

But there are also some very dangerous varieties of Buddhism out there... and some of them do actually worship demons - but they think they are enlightened beings so its all okay. There are deluded persons in all religions, and some religions are more vulnerable to this than others. Vajrayana (Tantra) Buddhism in particular can be very dangerous.

Interesting post.

You touched on some key points there, the two I'm thinking of mainly being that Buddhism shares some teachings that Christ initially taught (non-violence, being proactive to alleviate pain and suffering, et al) and also that every religion has it's deluded members. Both of those points are very true.

What evangelicalism at large tends to ignore is that one can acknowledge similarities between religions and even the good teachings within other religions without denying the ancient Creeds. If I were to say that the Qu'ran has some good wisdom, it doesn't by any stretch of the imagination equate to me denying Christ. That leap is made all too often by the "black and white" absolutism of our western style.

 

[VCViking]

It didnt feel right to me when he claimed christian buddist,

You can say that again.

 

[VCViking]

Hi mamawolf,

There is no such thing as a Christian buddhist. You cannot follow the teachings of buddha and the teachings of Jesus. They are totally incompatible and contradict one another. To follow what Buddha said you would have to reject what Jesus said. That is why Jesus said:

"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other."

First, Buddha teaches reincarnation, that we will keep coming back in multiple lives until we get it right. Scripture says that it is appointed for man to die once, and then the judgment. We only have one life to get it right, and then we will face Gods judgment. Reincarnation is not true, it is a doctrine of devils.

Buddha also teaches Karma, which is that your good and bad actions (or works) will determine the circumstance of your rebirth. Scripture teaches that we are all sinners, and all face the judgment of God regardless of our works, and the only way to be saved is by accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. That our works are not good enough. It is only by His righteousness and sacrifice for our sins that we are saved.

Here is the Buddha calling God evil, from the Bhuridatta Jataka

"If the creator of the world entire
They call God, of every being be the Lord
Why does he order such misfortune
And not create concord?

If the creator of the world entire
They call God, of every being be the Lord
Why prevail deceit, lies and ignorance
And he such inequity and injustice create?

If the creator of the world entire
They call God, of every being be the Lord
Then an evil master is he, (O Aritta)
Knowing what's right did let wrong prevail!"

This alone shows buddhism to be antichrist. Anyone who claims to be a Christian Buddhist is opposed to the true teachings of Christ and the gospel, and is double-minded towards God. I would pray for your ex-husband to be delivered from it.

 

[miamited]

hi mamawolf,

Hopefully you are at least still here checking up on the responses to your post.

Someone posted:
You touched on some key points there, the two I'm thinking of mainly being that Buddhism shares some teachings that Christ initially taught (non-violence, being proactive to alleviate pain and suffering, et al) and also that every religion has it's deluded members. Both of those points are very true.

What evangelicalism at large tends to ignore is that one can acknowledge similarities between religions and even the good teachings within other religions without denying the ancient Creeds. If I were to say that the Qu'ran has some good wisdom, it doesn't by any stretch of the imagination equate to me denying Christ. That leap is made all too often by the "black and white" absolutism of our western style.

Surely each thinking adult understands that all religions teach us what appear to be 'good' things that we, as individuals, should be doing to pull our fair load in this life and to live in reasonable peace with one another. It isn't hard for the human mind to understand that what would make this life peaceful for everyone would be to act in fairness and compassion with those with whom we interact. Some religions more than others.

While Islam has some good teachings as regards how we all need to interact, there is a non-peaceful side also for those it deems as heretics and blasphemers. Buddhism is a much more overall peaceful teaching of love and compassion for one another as we interact in this life. In between these two extremes is a myriad of man inspired teachings about how we should live our lives and what is believed to happen after this life.

Unfortunately, all of these religions are man-made lies. They are the wonderings and imaginings of fertile minds who spent hours, days, years, and even near entire lifetimes contemplating the meaning of life and writing down and gathering followers to their individual interpretations. Those that follow such religions, however, have convinced themselves, because the teachings just 'seem so right' to the mortal mind, that they must be true and the irony of deceipt is that the one deceived doesn't know it.

However, in all of these man-made, man-inspired religions there is one crucial piece of evidence that cannot be found. While they all, in some manner, teach peace and love to others and provide some promise or hope of what is to come after this life, there is one test that God himself has laid out by which we can know who is telling the truth. Prophesy!

The Scriptures written by the Holy Spirit of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob not only show us a good way to live and show us what is the hope and outcome after this life, but is chock-a-block full of prophecies that have been fulfilled. Accounts of events that were foretold to be, often hundreds of years before they came to be, that were fulfilled exactly as they were foretold. Not just one or two or a dozen, but literally hundreds! God has said, "You will know the true God in that what He says shall come to pass." For our God knows the end from the beginning. It isn't just some wondering, pondering, imagining of some man's fertile mind, no! It is the knowledge of One who's 'knowing' encompasses all the time of existence of all that He has created.

So, while evangelicals can certainly say to you, "Well, the parts of any religion that teach us to love and care for one another are certianly good 'rules' to live by". The one true and living God has also asked us to live that way, even to the point of giving our own life for another, and also given us the knowledge of the way to eternal life.

God bless you.
IN C'hrist, Ted

 

[VCViking]

Unfortunately, all of these religions are man-made lies.

Yep, straight out of the pit of Hell, conjured up by the Father of lies himself.

We need to pray for their eternal souls.

 

[miamited]

hi again mamawolf,

I was just posting on another thread and came across something that I think very well applies here. In the book of the law God clearly tells His people that if they fail to teach their children and pass down from generation to generation the knowledge of Him, that they will be enticed to follow other gods. That is exactly what has happened here. Because we do not ourselves know God any longer as parents, we can't teach them the things of God and so generation upon generation is left to wander the earth having their itching ears filled with all sorts of religious teachings and being enticed to follow them, and so they do.

Sadly, even among those who claim to be God's children, we find a multitude of those who send others astray with teaching them who follow these other gods, that it's ok and we're all headed in the same direction and will find the same peace at the end.

Here's where I stand and I know that there will be detractors, but it is then left to you to read and study the Scriptures to find out who is right.

The 'spirit' of buddism is not the same 'Spirit' of God.
The 'spirit' of islam is not the same 'Spirit' of God.
The 'spirit' of native Americans is not the same 'Spirit' of God.
etc. etc.

Because we have long ago forsaken the instructions of God as parents of children, we now must muddle through all of these 'spirits of obfuscation' that, as the above poster has stated, are the imaginings and wonderings and ponderings of the minds of men that find their ultimate beginnings in the father of lies. And because we have not upheld our responsibility from generation to generation to teach our children to know the one true and living God, they have become enticed by the sweet words of 'goodness' and 'fairness' and 'love' and 'respect' that certainly seem to sound so right to our hearts that, however, ultimately lead them away from the one true and living God. Mankind has always been a creature that refuses the truth and seeks for answers among other men, rather than from God.

Yes, I understand that that also condemns what I have posted here as being suspect and is why I strongly encourage you to seek truth from God's word and God's word only. It is the only revelation that we know, absolutely know, is truth, and we know this because of prophecy. God has answered your question in His word. He has even given examples from the tower of Babble through Egypt and even among Israel, that our searching for the answers outside of His word will lead us into error.

God bless you.
In Christ, Ted

 

[Nienna_Lady_of_Tears]

That's not two denominations, that's two different religions and trying to blend them, which does not work.

 

[hwyangel]

People could believe almost anything and be Buddhist. No matter how you attempt to describe Buddhism,many Buddhists will object because they believe some different variation of Buddhism. This by itself is misleading.

 

[hwyangel]

IS this different than denominations based on the Bible?

I restate an earlier question.

Can you honestly say that you are a Christian for a reason other than it's what you were taught to be? I hope the answer is yes, but I fear that for most Christians the answer is No. Can you say that if you had been born in another culture, your entire concept of truth wouldn't be different?

I was raised as a state ward. Several homes mostly secular (as most government run homes are). One was reformed baptist, one catholic, one atheist the rest secular. I was also a rainbow child for a couple years (pagan) and my first husband was Iranian muslim.
As far as christain denominations there is an agreement that the truth is in the message (the bible), not the messenger. And that we are all sinners in need of a savior.

 

[hwyangel]

There is this worry that comes with selling spirituality by following a fuzzy feel good pick and mix religion like Buddhism. We were not created for pleasure but for joy, and there is no joy without first being convicted of our sin and being brought to a place of repentance.

Payutto,who is speaking from a Theravada Buddhist perspective:
“There is no God who created the world and controls man's destiny. Man is his own master. The way is one of self-effort, free from prayer and superstition”
By saying that “Man is his own master” an affirmation is made of the Satanic Bible verse “Do what thou wilt.”

The lotus is the symbol of Buddhism; the cross,the symbol of the Christian faith. Behind the two symbols stand two diametrically opposed beliefs. Examine the message of each,using both your heart and your mind. It is worth the exercise because it will determine your destiny. One day we will all find out that being respectful and sincere does not give us license to be wrong.

 

[hwyangel]

There is really good book called "the lotus and the cross".
Here is a book review :



YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

 

[FreeinChrist]

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[FreeinChrist]

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