Buddhist to Christian - May I ask some Questions?

[Lilo]

Hello ^^
I am leaning about Christianity and have a few questions, if anyone had an answer, please share it with me! ^^

My questions are:
-Why does your God cause suffering?
-Why does God not take everyone to heaven now?
-For a Christian, are men and women equal?
-Do you believe in Reincarnation?
-If one of the 10 Commandments is 'Thou shalt not kill', why do you eat meat?
-What are Christians views on my religion (Buddhism) ?

I may have more questions later, if thats ok, but for now.
They may seem like silly questions, Im sorry! ^^

EDIT :
Hello Everyone..
I'm sorry, I have a few more questions that have came up.

-How could Adam and Eve ever have sinned if God had actually created them perfect, even if they did have free will? If God created them imperfect, how could a perfect omnipotent being create anything imperfect?

-If God knows the future and the past with perfect certainty,
Why did He create me knowing that my ''fate is to burn forever in Hell'' if I remain Buddhist.

-Also, What is hell? Is it a physical place? It's Confusing for me!

I'm sorry for asking more questions! ^^
Thank you
-Lilo

http://www.christianforums.com/editpost.php?do=editpost&p=54293774

 

[Hentenza]

Hi Lilo,

Welcome to CF!!!!

Hello ^^
I am leaning about Christianity and have a few questions, if anyone had an answer, please share it with me! ^^

I'll try.

My questions are:
-Why does your God cause suffering?

God doesn't, people do. Maybe you can post an example.

-Why does God not take everyone to heaven now?

Why now? Many people will go to heaven when it is their time.

-For a Christian, are men and women equal?

Yep, but we do have different roles in the church.

-Do you believe in Reincarnation?

Nope.

-If one of the 10 Commandments is 'Thou shalt not kill', why do you eat meat?

Is actually, "Thou shall not murder". It refers to the premeditated murder of humans not eating meat.

-What are Christians views on my religion (Buddhism) ?

Is wrong.

I may have more questions later, if thats ok, but for now.
They may seem like silly questions, Im sorry! ^^

Not silly at all.

 

[visionary]

Hello ^^
I am leaning about Christianity and have a few questions, if anyone had an answer, please share it with me! ^^

My questions are:
-Why does your God cause suffering?

no problem, why do you think it is our God that is causing suffering? Our God is a good God, one of love and care, willing to save, will to sacrifice Himself to save others, He is in the middle of the greatest war mankind and His creation has ever faced, implosion, and in order to save, He needs His people to trust Him. But because He is the Holy One, almighty, He has to work under constrainst you or I can not fully comprehend. Sin melts like wax in His Presence, and we are full of sin. We are so sick, filled with sin, that we can barely hear, see, or understand, yet He is speaking in that still small voice in our hearts, slowly and tenderly leading us into the truth, leading us where we can be healed, if we are willing.

-Why does God not take everyone to heaven now?

Heaven would be hell, for those full of sin.

-For a Christian, are men and women equal?

all are equal but different, created for a special role, unique with many special combinations of talents, that are for His purpose.

-Do you believe in Reincarnation?

no

-If one of the 10 Commandments is 'Thou shalt not kill', why do you eat meat?

because of sin. I have been vegetarian for 10 years, and in the beginning it was not so, man was not given the compromise in diet until after the flood, but the ideal is vegetarian or should I say fruitarian.

-What are Christians views on my religion (Buddhism) ?

Isn't it a philosophy on living in harmony?

I may have more questions later, if thats ok, but for now.

cool any time.
They may seem like silly questions, Im sorry! ^^[/QUOTE]

 

[Lilo]

Thank you both for answering my questions ^^

May I ask some more?

-Why is Buddhism considered wrong? (I hope it will not affect people's judgment of me here ^^ )

-What are the roles of men and women in churches?

-Is it God that causes natural disasters? And if so, why?

-If God knew that everyone of his creations would be born filled with sin, ans some doomed to 'Hell', then why did he create, only for such beings to suffer?

-Also, not believing in reincarnation confuses me slightly.

Please answer them if you can, I may have more again, if that is alright ^^
Thank you very much ^^ Nice to meet you -Lilo
I

 

[visionary]

Thank you both for answering my questions ^^

May I ask some more?

sure

-Why is Buddhism considered wrong? (I hope it will not affect people's judgment of me here ^^ )

more like we have seen the light and want to open up your mind to the wonderful experience of meeting the one true living God.

-What are the roles of men and women in churches?

varied and depending on who you talk to

-Is it God that causes natural disasters? And if so, why?

Let's say He allows it. There is a war in heavens and here on earth in the spiritual rhelm. God has warned us that they, the natural disasters, will be coming with increased frequency and intensity as the days of earth's history draw to a close.

-If God knew that everyone of his creations would be born filled with sin, ans some doomed to 'Hell', then why did he create, only for such beings to suffer?

a baby is born in a sin filled world innocent.

-Also, not believing in reincarnation confuses me slightly.

God created us, He declared that we are not to mix seed, and if you carry that thought, you will understand that our God would not have us one part of creation one time, and another part of creation the next. He never said He would, nor is it in any of His promises. So we believe Him.

Please answer them if you can, I may have more again, if that is alright ^^
Thank you very much ^^ Nice to meet you -Lilo

go for it, I will try to answer to the best of my ability.
I[/QUOTE]

 

[drich0150]

-Why does your God cause suffering?

Suffering is a result of sin, God doesn't want us to sin, therefore God doesn't cause suffering, we do by sinning.

-Why does God not take everyone to heaven now?

Not everyone wants to goto Heaven now. When all who will want to go have been given their opportunity for salvation then we will all go.

-For a Christian, are men and women equal?

They are equal, but fill different roles in the church. Different doesn't mean unequal, just different.

-Do you believe in Reincarnation?

Not as a Buddhist does.

-If one of the 10 Commandments is 'Thou shalt not kill', why do you eat meat?

The commandment says Thou shalt not murder. Murder can only happen from person to person. Murder is a personal decision to take another persons life.

-What are Christians views on my religion (Buddhism) ?

It is like any other non Christian religion.

 

[Lilo]

varied and depending on who you talk to

a baby is born in a sin filled world innocent.

[/quote]
How so?

May I ask what you think men and women's roles are?

-Do you believe in Reincarnation?
​

Not as a Buddhist does.

May you please explain further?

Thank you very much again ^^ I think my post may look odd, as I am unsure how to make quotes, sorry ^^ -Lilo

 

[Hentenza]

Thank you both for answering my questions ^^

You are welcomed.

-Why is Buddhism considered wrong? (I hope it will not affect people's judgment of me here ^^ )

Because Jesus Christ is the only way to the Father, therefore, Christianity is right. We both can't be right.

-What are the roles of men and women in churches?

We each have our God given spiritual gifts. Not all Christians think the same here. It depends on how the bible is interpreted.

-Is it God that causes natural disasters? And if so, why?

No. Fir example, the recent disaster in Haiti was an earthquake not a supernatural event.

-If God knew that everyone of his creations would be born filled with sin, ans some doomed to 'Hell', then why did he create, only for such beings to suffer?

God could have created mankind without the ability to do certain things but then we would be robots. God chose to create mankind free to choose between good and evil.

-Also, not believing in reincarnation confuses me slightly.

It is not compatible with the Christian beliefs.

Please answer them if you can, I may have more again, if that is alright ^^
Thank you very much ^^ Nice to meet you -Lilo
I

Nice to meet you too.

 

[Wren]

-Why does your God cause suffering?
I think that drich0150 said it well, "Suffering is a result of sin, God doesn't want us to sin, therefore God doesn't cause suffering, we do by sinning."

-Why does God not take everyone to heaven now?
He has a plan that is not finished yet. It could be because there are more people who are going to turn to Christ in the future.

-For a Christian, are men and women equal?
Yes. Unlike many other Christians, I don't believe that men and women naturally (as decided by God) have different roles. I think the roles just depend on personal choice and society.

-Do you believe in Reincarnation?
No. I believe that we have this one life given by God. When we die, our soul goes where God judges that it should remain.

-If one of the 10 Commandments is 'Thou shalt not kill', why do you eat meat?
Because I'm an imperfect person. I agree with visionary that the original diet was vegetarian and that is probably how God intended for us to eat. We have been given permission (in the New Testament of The Bible) to eat animals, but I don't think it is right. I currently do not eat land animals. I was a vegetarian for 1 year, but went back to eating fish.

-What are Christians views on my religion (Buddhism) ?
I find it to be a fascinating religion. I'm currently studying it in one of my classes (non-western religion). While I do not believe in the theory of Nirvana/Nibbana, I do find many aspects of Buddhism to be admirable.

 

[Wren]

-What are the roles of men and women in churches?
I believe that men and women can/should have equal roles in the church. I believe that both men and women should be able to be pastors or priests and other positions of authority. I also believe that men can just as easily work in the kitchen preparing meals, some of the best chefs are men, after all.

-Is it God that causes natural disasters? And if so, why?
No. I believe that many natural disasters happen for scientific and human reasons. For example, Haiti had such a violent earthquake because of shifting plates below the earth's surface, I believe. The earth is constantly shifting/moving, so earthquakes are bound to happen.

-If God knew that everyone of his creations would be born filled with sin, and some doomed to 'Hell', then why did he create, only for such beings to suffer?
He gives us all free will and the chance to turn to him. I do not believe that any person is doomed to Hell from birth. We all have a chance at salvation. However, some will suffer and go to Hell because they choose not to turn to God.

 

[Lilo]

-For a Christian, are men and women equal?
Yes. Unlike many other Christians, I don't believe that men and women naturally (as decided by God) have different roles. I think the roles just depend on personal choice and society.

-Do you believe in Reincarnation?
No. I believe that we have this one life given by God. When we die, our soul goes where God judges that it should remain.

-If one of the 10 Commandments is 'Thou shalt not kill', why do you eat meat?
Because I'm an imperfect person. I agree with visionary that the original diet was vegetarian and that is probably how God intended for us to eat. We have been given permission (in the New Testament of The Bible) to eat animals, but I don't think it is right. I currently do not eat land animals. I was a vegetarian for 1 year, but went back to eating fish.

-What are Christians views on my religion (Buddhism) ?
I find it to be a fascination religion. I'm currently studying it in one of my classes (non-western religion). While I do not believe in the theory of Nirvana/Nibbana, I do find many aspects of Buddhism to be admirable.

Thank you for answering some of my questions ^^ On a side-note, Monday is Parinirvana day. If you have any questions on Buddhism, I would be happy to repay the favour. ^^

Nice to meet you ^^

 

[drich0150]

-Why is Buddhism considered wrong?

Because all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God. In Buddhism there is no atonement for that sin. Because there is no atonement there can not be a relationship between a Buddhist and God. That relationship is what all of this life is about. We are not here in this life to earn our way to enlightenment, we have been put here to start and maintain a relationship with God. as a result we obtain a sense of enlightenment, but that enlightenment is not our ultimate goal. God and expressing our love for him is.

-What are the roles of men and women in churches?
Eph5:
22Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. 23For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. 24Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.
25Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26to make her holy, cleansing[b] her by the washing with water through the word, 27and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church— 30for we are members of his body. 31"For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh."[c] 32This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

I think this passage answers the intent of your question.

-Is it God that causes natural disasters? And if so, why?

We live in a world of true consequence, every action taken has a consequence. If we build our homes on fault lines the we may be subject to earthquakes, if we build our homes near the shore we maybe subject to terrible storms. God allow these things to happen so that we know that there is and will ever be a reckoning for any and all decisions that we make. (informed or not)

-If God knew that everyone of his creations would be born filled with sin, ans some doomed to 'Hell', then why did he create, only for such beings to suffer?

If God only created those who would worship him then, how could he still be a righteous God? Do you think you are not worthy for a chance at life, just because you were not born into a Christian home? We all have been given an opportunity in this life to seek out God. What you do with it is not God's doing it is yours.

-Also, not believing in reincarnation confuses me slightly.

We are reborn into an eternal life at the resurrection, never to die again.

 

[Lilo]

It is not compatible with the Christian beliefs.

How so? Thank You ^^ Again, my post may look odd, Im still unsure of how to quote, Im sorry ^^

 

[Wren]

Thank you for answering some of my questions ^^ On a side-note, Monday is Parinirvana day. If you have any questions on Buddhism, I would be happy to repay the favour. ^^

Nice to meet you ^^

I didn't know what Parinirvana Day was, so I just looked it up. That's interesting. I didn't realize the day of the Buddha's death was celebrated.

I don't have any questions right now, but thank you for offering.

Nice to meet you, also.

 

[Hentenza]

How so? Thank You ^^ Again, my post may look odd, Im still unsure of how to quote, Im sorry ^^

Scripture tells us in Hebrews 9:27 that we only die once.

27 And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,

BTW- You are doing fine using your quotes. The software sometimes hiccups and the quote looks funny. Sorry about that. The techies are working on it.

 

[Lilo]

Because all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God. In Buddhism there is no atonement for that sin. Because there is no atonement there can not be a relationship between a Buddhist and God. That relationship is what all of this life is about. We are not here in this life to earn our way to enlightenment, we have been put here to start and maintain a relationship with God. as a result we obtain a sense of enlightenment, but that enlightenment is not our ultimate goal. God and expressing our love for him is.

Thank you. Some members of my family are Christian, and I see how our Religions differ. Although some aspects do still confuse me, what you said, I am unsure weather I should be upset at the differences.
I respect how Christians view Buddhism, but do all Christians see it this way?
I do sincerly hope that the differences between Buddhism and Christianity will not cause any, well awkwardness I suppose, between myself and other members.

 

[Anglian]

Hello ^^
I am leaning about Christianity and have a few questions, if anyone had an answer, please share it with me! ^^

My questions are:
-Why does your God cause suffering?
-Why does God not take everyone to heaven now?
-For a Christian, are men and women equal?
-Do you believe in Reincarnation?
-If one of the 10 Commandments is 'Thou shalt not kill', why do you eat meat?
-What are Christians views on my religion (Buddhism) ?

I may have more questions later, if thats ok, but for now.
They may seem like silly questions, Im sorry! ^^

Good to have you here. Your questions are far from silly. They have occupied Christians for centuries, and others have tried, as I shall, to summarise how far we have got with answering them.

God, as everyone here is saying, does not cause suffering. We do that. he is with us in the pain we cause, He comforts us and shows us a better way.

We are here, in the world He made for us, He loves us, and we have the opportunity to love Him and each other. To deprive us of this would be to deprive us of growth.

Men and women, Jew and Gentile, there is no difference in Christ.

We do not believe in reincarnation. We are born again in Christ, and we can be fit to live with Him forever in one life.

We eat meat because it is not forbidden, as others have explained.

I don't know there is a single Christian view on Buddhism. It is well regarded by all the Christians I know. But since it does not preach Christ crucified and resurrected, it is not the way to salvation. That is not to say that Buddhists cannot be saved. That decision is God's alone, and we are humble in His presence and do not presume to judge what only He can judge.

It is a pleasure to have you here with us.

To take up your kind offer. One thing which puzzles me about reincarnation is the notion that one can be born again as an animal. I know Hindus who hold this, but is it also a Buddhist belief?

peace be with you,

Anglian

 

[Lilo]

Good to have you here. Your questions are far from silly. They have occupied Christians for centuries, and others have tried, as I shall, to summarise how far we have got with answering them.

God, as everyone here is saying, does not cause suffering. We do that. he is with us in the pain we cause, He comforts us and shows us a better way.

We are here, in the world He made for us, He loves us, and we have the opportunity to love Him and each other. To deprive us of this would be to deprive us of growth.

Men and women, Jew and Gentile, there is no difference in Christ.

We do not believe in reincarnation. We are born again in Christ, and we can be fit to live with Him forever in one life.

We eat meat because it is not forbidden, as others have explained.

I don't know there is a single Christian view on Buddhism. It is well regarded by all the Christians I know. But since it does not preach Christ crucified and resurrected, it is not the way to salvation. That is not to say that Buddhists cannot be saved. That decision is God's alone, and we are humble in His presence and do not presume to judge what only He can judge.

It is a pleasure to have you here with us.

To take up your kind offer. One thing which puzzles me about reincarnation is the notion that one can be born again as an animal. I know Hindus who hold this, but is it also a Buddhist belief?

peace be with you,

Anglian

In Tibeten Buddhism, it is said that it is very rare for a person to be reborn immediatly into a human. It depends on Karmic potentialities dependant on actions and state-of-mind at the time of death. Does that answer your question? If not I'll be happy to explain more ^^

 

[Anglian]

In Tibeten Buddhism, it is said that it is very rare for a person to be reborn immediatly into a human. It depends on Karmic potentialities dependant on actions and state-of-mind at the time of death. Does that answer your question? If not I'll be happy to explain more ^^

Interesting. Should one be reborn as an animal, how would one add to the karmic potentialities? It is my turn to say sorry if my question is a silly one.

peace,

Anglian

 

[Lilo]

Interesting. Should one be reborn as an animal, how would one add to the karmic potentialities? It is my turn to say sorry if my question is a silly one.

peace,

Anglian

Not at all, I'm happy to answer your questions.

For example, If someone was to pass away with a calm mind, or happy ect, then this will give fortunate Karmic potentialities, and the opposite for an angry state of mind. Does this help?
Also perhaps looking into the six realms of existence would help your query.
If you have more questions on this, I'd be happy to answer. ^^