Buddhist to Christian - May I ask some Questions?

[Sketcher]

-Why does your God cause suffering?

God does not cause all suffering. People and Satan's minions do enough of that on their own. But whenever God does cause suffering, it is disciplinary. When kids do something bad, their parents will cause them suffering such as grounding them, spanking them, giving them time-outs, etc. This is disciplinary action, to teach them not to do whatever bad things they did to deserve it. God also places challenges in our life to help us grow, but I wouldn't put that in the same category as "causing suffering," because neither term does the other justice.

-Why does God not take everyone to heaven now?

God is too pure to just take everyone to Heaven. We all are tainted by sin. Only through coming to Christ in repentance can we lose the sin stain, and go to Heaven. If God were to end the world right now, there would be people who he doesn't want to be left out of Heaven left out by necessity. He is giving the world time to come to Christ. Christianity must truly be preached in every last corner of the world before the end will come, and there are still some remote regions.

-For a Christian, are men and women equal?

Yes. Men and women have equal value before God. Now, the roles of men and women can be different in some cases, which is reflection of the way God created us. Neither one is better than the other, but men and women are specialized for certain different tasks.

-Do you believe in Reincarnation?

No, there is no mention of it in Scripture, and no room for it in the Jewish or Christian worldview. If there were reincarnation, then what's the point of Christ? You're just going to get it right eventually, even if it takes you 2,000 lives to get there. Why would Jesus descend to this filthy world, die a brutal death that he didn't deserve, and be separated from the Father if it wasn't absolutely necessary to get people to Heaven?

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

The command refers to human beings, not animals. And better translated, it's "You shall not murder." Not all killing is murder. If you go to your neighbor's house and cut off his head, that's murder. Executing you for doing that after a fair trial is not murder.

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

It won't get you to Heaven. It also has some very different basic assumptions, such as maya, which we do not have. We believe something really is what it is rather than being part of a grand illusion. But since Buddhism is so fragmented, I don't want to go any further because I don't know what you personally believe.

 

[drich0150]

Although some aspects do still confuse me, what you said, I am unsure weather I should be upset at the differences.

There is nothing, (as far as i can see) to be upset about. My mother was Buddhist most of Her life, and from what understand the Goals of a faithful Buddhist and that of a Christian are not the same. If it is enlightenment that you seek you are on the correct path, but if you seek a relationship with God then you will have to seek Him in the manner He has set before us through His son.

I respect how Christians view Buddhism, but do all Christians see it this way?

No one can speak for all of christianity except Jesus Himself, but I would say that my answer to you would be less aggressive than some answers can be.

I do sincerely hope that the differences between Buddhism and Christianity will not cause any, well awkwardness I suppose, between myself and other members.

If it does then i would say it would more likely be the 'other members" doing.

 

[Ty_Walsworth]

I stumbled on this post doing my own research. I have never been on this web site, but your post called to me when it appeared in the search engine. I think mostly because it seemed sincere. So I registered just to reply to you. I like your questions and I do not think they are silly at all. I would say they are good questions. If you will permit, perhaps we will learn about each other through this.

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?
- Christians do not deny the existence of suffering and we are taught to persevere through suffering as perseverance builds character, which brings growth.

In Christianity the creation of man is a small part of an eternal time line. With the first man, we were created perfect and then the first man (who we believe is Adam) fell to sin. We call this original sin. It is because of original sin from the first man that we are cursed with imperfection. In our holy scriptures the stories that are told do not paint a picture of a withholding, cruel father who removes his hand from us when we choose poorly; rather the opposite is true. Christians believe that when we sin, or separate ourselves from God it is our choice to remove ourselves from Him. Our God does not make us choose correctly and although our scriptures paint a picture of a God that aches for our decisions, he allows us to choose. Christianity is about our choice. Not God's. Our father wants us to love Him because we desire to love Him and be loved by Him, and not because he interferes with our choices, and unfortunately may of the bad things that happen to us are the result of our choices or someone else’s.

Christ faced the reality of suffering and overcame it by solving the problem of sin, (the real source of suffering). Those who trust in Christ can rise above suffering in this life because they have hope of a future life free of suffering. Our Holy Scripture reads:

"We fix our eyes not on what is seen [suffering], but on what is unseen [eternal life free of suffering]. For what is seen [suffering] is temporary, but what is unseen [future good life with Christ] is eternal" - 2 Corinthians. 4:18

I do not believe that because I am a Christian I will never have pain or experience danger. I believe that God has my best interest in mind for the future I hope for. I know He has promised to never leave or forsake me. This earth and anything that happens in it does not define God’s love for me because as a Christian I truly believe I will live for eternity. So, true Christianity demands that we rid ourselves of the complication of worrying about what may or may not happen.



-Why does God not take everyone to heaven now?

-Christians believe that whether we die at 9 months or 90 years, we are on this earth to fulfill a purpose. It is our belief in our Savior, Jesus Christ -- that He is the one true God -- that redeems us, but believing in Jesus is only the beginning of the process. Once we choose to be a Christians it is of the utmost importance that we pour ourselves into our faith. We must allow God to transform us as He is preparing us for our entry into Heaven where we will eventually be made like Him... we will not become Gods, but we will be made perfect as our scriptures foretell. We are to become His disciple to effectively do this and time spent here on earth is well worth it if it is spent training as Jesus’ disciple.


-For a Christian, are men and women equal?

-Christian Men and women are equal and they are not equal. Most Christian men will incorrectly quote scripture to you and say that wives are to submit to their husbands. This is a gross misinterpretation of these scriptures. A full comprehensive study proves that husbands and wives are to submit to each other equally. They are equal in the ability to execute or make decisions. For this reason it is detrimental that husbands and wives be in unity. Marriage is work. We do believe that the husband is set in place as the head of the household, but that does not translate to “dictator”. A Christian man is head of his household, and will lead his family in love and will be completely submitted to God himself and his wife. It is not and should not be an easy role. Nor is the role of the wife simple submission. It is a partnership in which both have a voice and can hear God on behalf of the other and for the entire family. My wife, for example, is incredibly intelligent and wise. I filter all major decisions through her. I enjoy our partnership and revel when we spend time together praying and reading the scriptures together.

-Do you believe in Reincarnation?
No. We do not. We believe that we begin when a husband and wife form a baby and if in or life we choose to believe in Christ and become his disciple, we will live for eternity. We believe that God did not create a perfect son in the first man, Adam; and therefore, because we are certainly not better than God, we cannot guarantee that our children will choose correctly either. We have to teach and do our best and hope that our children will choose to live eternally with us as well since we cannot choose for them.

-If one of the 10 Commandments is 'Thou shalt not kill', why do you eat meat?
-This is an easy one. The commandment (as is true of all of the commandments) are addressed to man about man. God in his Holy Scripture provides animals and instructs us to eat them; and God does not contradict Himself. It is the elevation of animals to be equal to humans that confuses this argument. Most Christians would agree that to kill an animal for food is not in breach of the commandments, but to kill another man is.

-What are Christians views on my religion (Buddhism) ?
-It is impossible to respond on behalf of all Christians. I can tell you my thoughts on Buddhism, personally. Please keep in mind that I am only answering in this way because you have asked for my opinion. I absolutely respect your right to choose what you believe.

At one time I was very near to calling myself a Buddhist.

Ultimately I struggled with three areas of Buddhism. I struggled mostly with the idea that I had to "earn" myself free of suffering, the denial of personal significance and Karma.

It was the solution of grace and the fact that Jesus Christ taught that each person has real significance that ultimately allowed me to comfortably slip into Christianity. Grace allows me to be imperfect and still be forgiven. It is through grace that we are allowed to be in relationship with a most Holy God.

For the issue of Karma it was very hard for me. Either it is or it is not. There is no escape from Karma except through the repeated effort of self-reflection. We believe that the universe is governed by a personal God who listens when we pray. We believe that He loves us and has our best interest in mind. In His scripture He repeatedly gives us hope and much promise for our future.

As mentioned above, our God does not interfere with our choices, but He does move when we ask him to.

On the idea of earning merit or even the transfer of merit from a Saint... Jesus taught that no one can gather enough merit on his own to earn freedom from suffering. It is Jesus Christ that has unlimited merit, and gives us that same unlimited merit we call grace to anyone who will become his disciple. It is by Grace we are saved. Not from anything we do. Not works… so none of us can brag about how great we are.

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

They may seem like silly questions, Im sorry! ^^

-Not at all. You are just seeking answers to questions you do not know. I just hope my answers are not too long.

 

[Lilo]

I stumbled on this post doing my own research. I have never been on this web site, but your post called to me when it appeared in the search engine. I think mostly because it seemed sincere. So I registered just to reply to you. I like your questions and I do not think they are silly at all. I would say they are good questions. If you will permit, perhaps we will learn about each other through this.


-For a Christian, are men and women equal?

-Christian Men and women are equal and they are not equal. Most Christian men will incorrectly quote scripture to you and say that wives are to submit to their husbands. This is a gross misinterpretation of these scriptures. A full comprehensive study proves that husbands and wives are to submit to each other equally. They are equal in the ability to execute or make decisions. For this reason it is detrimental that husbands and wives be in unity. Marriage is work. We do believe that the husband is set in place as the head of the household, but that does not translate to “dictator”. A Christian man is head of his household, and will lead his family in love and will be completely submitted to God himself and his wife. It is not and should not be an easy role. Nor is the role of the wife simple submission. It is a partnership in which both have a voice and can hear God on behalf of the other and for the entire family. My wife, for example, is incredibly intelligent and wise. I filter all major decisions through her. I enjoy our partnership and revel when we spend time together praying and reading the scriptures together.

-Do you believe in Reincarnation?
No. We do not. We believe that we begin when a husband and wife form a baby and if in or life we choose to believe in Christ and become his disciple, we will live for eternity. We believe that God did not create a perfect son in the first man, Adam; and therefore, because we are certainly not better than God, we cannot guarantee that our children will choose correctly either. We have to teach and do our best and hope that our children will choose to live eternally with us as well since we cannot choose for them.

Thank you very much. I'm new to the forum also, the people I've met here already have been welcoming dispite differences in Religion.
I do have some questions about your answers though, if that is ok?

-I was told the Jesus is the Reinarnate of God, is this right?

-Also, I was told that because man was made first, he had more rights than women because Eve was made out of Adam.
Welcome to the forum, and thank you for replying. ^^

 

[Ty_Walsworth]

Wow. I have never heard that because man was made first he had more rights. That sounds like someone bending scripture to their own desires which would make that statement heretical. I liked how TwistedSketch put it above.

Yes. Men and women have equal value before God. Now, the roles of men and women can be different in some cases, which is reflection of the way God created us. Neither one is better than the other, but men and women are specialized for certain different tasks.

Jesus is God. Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit are three distinct persons in one. We call this the trinity. Jesus was God in human form on earth.






Lilo,

I stumbled on this post doing my own research. I have never been on this web site, but your post called to me when it appeared in the search engine. I think mostly because it seemed sincere. So I registered just to reply to you. I like your questions and I do not think they are silly at all. I would say they are good questions. If you will permit, perhaps we will learn about each other through this.

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?
- Christians do not deny the existence of suffering and we are taught to persevere through suffering as perseverance builds character, which brings growth.

In Christianity the creation of man is a small part of an eternal time line. With the first man, we were created perfect and then the first man (who we believe is Adam) fell to sin. We call this original sin. It is because of original sin from the first man that we are cursed with imperfection. In our holy scriptures the stories that are told do not paint a picture of a withholding, cruel father who removes his hand from us when we choose poorly; rather the opposite is true. Christians believe that when we sin, or separate ourselves from God it is our choice to remove ourselves from Him. Our God does not make us choose correctly and although our scriptures paint a picture of a God that aches for our decisions, he allows us to choose. Christianity is about our choice. Not God's. Our father wants us to love Him because we desire to love Him and be loved by Him, and not because he interferes with our choices, and unfortunately may of the bad things that happen to us are the result of our choices or someone else’s.

Christ faced the reality of suffering and overcame it by solving the problem of sin, (the real source of suffering). Those who trust in Christ can rise above suffering in this life because they have hope of a future life free of suffering. Our Holy Scripture reads:

"We fix our eyes not on what is seen [suffering], but on what is unseen [eternal life free of suffering]. For what is seen [suffering] is temporary, but what is unseen [future good life with Christ] is eternal" - 2 Corinthians. 4:18

I do not believe that because I am a Christian I will never have pain or experience danger. I believe that God has my best interest in mind for the future I hope for. I know He has promised to never leave or forsake me. This earth and anything that happens in it does not define God’s love for me because as a Christian I truly believe I will live for eternity. So, true Christianity demands that we rid ourselves of the complication of worrying about what may or may not happen.



-Why does God not take everyone to heaven now?

-Christians believe that whether we die at 9 months or 90 years, we are on this earth to fulfill a purpose. It is our belief in our Savior, Jesus Christ -- that He is the one true God -- that redeems us, but believing in Jesus is only the beginning of the process. Once we choose to be a Christians it is of the utmost importance that we pour ourselves into our faith. We must allow God to transform us as He is preparing us for our entry into Heaven where we will eventually be made like Him... we will not become Gods, but we will be made perfect as our scriptures foretell. We are to become His disciple to effectively do this and time spent here on earth is well worth it if it is spent training as Jesus’ disciple.


-For a Christian, are men and women equal?

-Christian Men and women are equal and they are not equal. Most Christian men will incorrectly quote scripture to you and say that wives are to submit to their husbands. This is a gross misinterpretation of these scriptures. A full comprehensive study proves that husbands and wives are to submit to each other equally. They are equal in the ability to execute or make decisions. For this reason it is detrimental that husbands and wives be in unity. Marriage is work. We do believe that the husband is set in place as the head of the household, but that does not translate to “dictator”. A Christian man is head of his household, and will lead his family in love and will be completely submitted to God himself and his wife. It is not and should not be an easy role. Nor is the role of the wife simple submission. It is a partnership in which both have a voice and can hear God on behalf of the other and for the entire family. My wife, for example, is incredibly intelligent and wise. I filter all major decisions through her. I enjoy our partnership and revel when we spend time together praying and reading the scriptures together.

-Do you believe in Reincarnation?
No. We do not. We believe that we begin when a husband and wife form a baby and if in or life we choose to believe in Christ and become his disciple, we will live for eternity. We believe that God did not create a perfect son in the first man, Adam; and therefore, because we are certainly not better than God, we cannot guarantee that our children will choose correctly either. We have to teach and do our best and hope that our children will choose to live eternally with us as well since we cannot choose for them.

-If one of the 10 Commandments is 'Thou shalt not kill', why do you eat meat?
-This is an easy one. The commandment (as is true of all of the commandments) are addressed to man about man. God in his Holy Scripture provides animals and instructs us to eat them; and God does not contradict Himself. It is the elevation of animals to be equal to humans that confuses this argument. Most Christians would agree that to kill an animal for food is not in breach of the commandments, but to kill another man is.

-What are Christians views on my religion (Buddhism) ?
-It is impossible to respond on behalf of all Christians. I can tell you my thoughts on Buddhism, personally. Please keep in mind that I am only answering in this way because you have asked for my opinion. I absolutely respect your right to choose what you believe.

At one time I was very near to calling myself a Buddhist.

Ultimately I struggled with three areas of Buddhism. I struggled mostly with the idea that I had to "earn" myself free of suffering, the denial of personal significance and Karma.

It was the solution of grace and the fact that Jesus Christ taught that each person has real significance that ultimately allowed me to comfortably slip into Christianity. Grace allows me to be imperfect and still be forgiven. It is through grace that we are allowed to be in relationship with a most Holy God.

For the issue of Karma it was very hard for me. Either it is or it is not. There is no escape from Karma except through the repeated effort of self-reflection. We believe that the universe is governed by a personal God who listens when we pray. We believe that He loves us and has our best interest in mind. In His scripture He repeatedly gives us hope and much promise for our future.

As mentioned above, our God does not interfere with our choices, but He does move when we ask him to.

On the idea of earning merit or even the transfer of merit from a Saint... Jesus taught that no one can gather enough merit on his own to earn freedom from suffering. It is Jesus Christ that has unlimited merit, and gives us that same unlimited merit we call grace to anyone who will become his disciple. It is by Grace we are saved. Not from anything we do. Not works… so none of us can brag about how great we are.

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

They may seem like silly questions, Im sorry! ^^

-Not at all. You are just seeking answers to questions you do not know. I just hope my answers are not too long.
[/QUOTE]

 

[Ty_Walsworth]

Lilo, I am off to bed, but look forward to hearing from you. Ask me as many questions as you like. I also look forward to hearing about your beliefs. Why did you choose to follow Buddhism? Are you happy with your faith? What about Buddhism, would you say, is the single most wonderful thing. What part of the world are you in? Is Buddhism the dominanting religion where you are? Do you have children? Will you raise them to be Buddhists?

 

[Lilo]

Lilo, I am off to bed, but look forward to hearing from you. Ask me as many questions as you like. I also look forward to hearing about your beliefs. Why did you choose to follow Buddhism? Are you happy with your faith? What about Buddhism, would you say, is the single most wonderful thing. What part of the world are you in? Is Buddhism the dominanting religion where you are? Do you have children? Will you raise them to be Buddhists?

Thank you. I'd be happy to answer your questions.
I chose to follow Buddhism becuase it just seemed right for me. Most of my family are Chritstian, but they say that I have an old head on young shoulders. I never did fit into Chritianity, and while perhaps pretending to be happy with it, I never understood it as much as I should have.
I am happy with being Buddhist. I live in Europe, so it is not the dominating religion here. Also, I do not have any children as I am only 15. ^^
The single most wonderful thing? For me, that is a difficult question. I might have to get back to you on that. If you have any more questions I'll be happy to answer them for you.

 

[ebia]

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?

He doesn't. Suffering is the result of us failing to be what we are intended to be.

-Why does God not take everyone to heaven now?

Because the objective is not 'going to heaven' but God putting right the creation we've messed up and putting us to rights in and for that, so that creation's project can go on as originally intended.

-For a Christian, are men and women equal?

Equal but distinct.

-Do you believe in Reincarnation?

No, we believe in the resurrection of the dead when Christ returns and creation's putting right comes to its fulfillment.

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

It's referring to killing other people.

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

That will vary, but it pretty much has to include "misguided on some very important points".

-I was told the Jesus is the Reinarnate of God, is this right?

No.

Jesus is the incarnation of God, not the re-incarnation.
If you can't see the difference you haven't understood incarnation.

-Also, I was told that because man was made first, he had more rights than women because Eve was made out of Adam.

If you read Genesis 1 you'll find them created at the same time, and both made in the image of God. Genesis 1 emphasises the equality of male and female, Genesis 2 emphasises the distinct nature of each.

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

Because it fails to recognise the one true and living creator God for who he is.

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

Each person should fulfill the role(s) to which they are called by God.

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

Somehow all suffering and frustration results from human idolatory.

-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?

Because he can put things right.

-Also, not believing in reincarnation confuses me slightly.

Why? Christians understand that we will all be resurrected into the life of the age to come when that is finally consumated in Jesus coming again. The Judeo/Christian view has never been cyclical, but of a project that is going somewhere.

 

[childofGod31]

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?

God doesn't. The evil which lives in people causes suffering. We cause pain to God and to ourselves because God feels our pain too.

-Why does God not take everyone to heaven now?

Because He has His purposes. He created us so that He could have many children. He wanted us to multiply. Perhaps that's one of the reasons that we are still here. He needs more people to be born. We are also given a chance to prove our love for God while on this earth. So that could be another reason why we are still here. We are being transformed into a special sort of a person when we walk close with God, that could be another reason.

-For a Christian, are men and women equal?
yes, they are equal, except women still have to be subject to their husbands, but they are equal in value as a person, and to be treated with love and respect

-Do you believe in Reincarnation?
no

-If one of the 10 Commandments is 'Thou shalt not kill', why do you eat meat?
The Bible says that animals are for food. Killing was referring to people.

-What are Christians views on my religion (Buddhism) ?
Jesus Christ said that He is the only way to God. In other words, having Jesus Christ live in your heart, and following Jesus Christ is the only way to find peace with God.

So if any other teaching says anything otherwise, then it must be wrong...

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

.

 

[Lilo]

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

 

[ephraimanesti]

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

MY DEAR SISTER,

i'll try my best:

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

God does not cause suffering. Suffering is a product of our fallen world and the sins of the people therein--me and you included.

If you were an atheist and didn't have God to blame, what would be your explanation be as to where all the pain in the world comes from?

-Why does God not take everyone to heaven now?

Because most of us aren't ready and if all were taken to heaven now, heaven would become the hell that our world has become. We take our spiritual orientation--or lack thereof--with us when we leave here. For most of us, that status would not fit us to enter into the Kingdom and presence of Abba.

-For a Christian, are men and women equal?

Yes.

-Do you believe in Reincarnation?

No.

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

The commandment actually says, "Do not commit murder." Humanely taking the life of an animal does not meet the criteria for murder, and the Bible is explicit in stating that certain animals have been given to man for food and other by-products. (Having studied Buddhism for quite a while, however, i would agree that it would be a better world if we all were vegans.)

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

i am a great admirer of the Buddha and his teachings. Many of the beliefs of Buddhism are held by Christians, major exceptions would be reincarnation, nirvana, and the existence or non-existence of God being irrelevant to happiness being obtained only by following the dharma.

Were Jesus not, in fact, the Son of God, i would probably still be a Buddhist or that wonderful mixture of Taoism and Buddhism which led me to Christianity.

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

Blessings to you, my sister. There are no "silly questions!" It is refreshing to find a young adult asking such all-important questions. At your age (yes i was, once) i was worshipping the 60's "trinity"--drugs, sex, and rock-n-roll. Where you are at now bodes well for your future. May you find the ULTIMATE TRUTH you are seeking!

ABBA'S FOOL,
ephraim

 

[Lilo]

Blessings to you, my sister. There are no "silly questions!" It is refreshing to find a young adult asking such all-important questions. At your age (yes i was, once) i was worshipping the 60's "trinity"--drugs, sex, and rock-n-roll. Where you are at now bodes well for your future. May you find the ULTIMATE TRUTH you are seeking!

ABBA'S FOOL,
ephraim

Thank you for answering ^^

I have a few more which I've edited onto my original post :

-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!

Thank you, Nice to meet you ^^

 

[ebia]

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?

What constitutes perfect?
Scripture tends to avoid such terms because they aren't terribly meaningful in complex situations, preferring very good.

-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.

Because your parent's decided to have a baby (or at least, to have sex).

The problem can't be solved by force - only love and invitation.

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

It's a label for whatever the alternative is for anyone who ultimately refuses to be included in the solution.

Unfortunately there are some medieval pictures of what that looks like that are excessively dependent on early-medieval phantasy and rather selective literal readings of the metaphors that scripture uses when it refers to that alternative.

In fact scripture says very little about it - its much more interested in what God is doing to put the world to rights, and to put us to rights in and for that, than it is in the alternative for those who decline to be part of that which it deals with in a few quick metaphors - chaff thrown on the winnowing fire (whoosh, and it's gone), rubbish thrown on Jerusalem's ever-smoldering rubbish heap (Gehenna), etc.

 

[ephraimanesti]

MY DEAR SISTER,

Thank you for answering ^^

I have a few more which I've edited onto my original post :

-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?

Perhaps "flawless" would be a better descriptive word than "perfect" as only God is perfect. Anyway, although Adam and Eve were without blemish, they were created--as we all are--with God's great gift of freewill--the ability to make one's own choices without constraint from outside.

Instead of using freewill as intended--to freely love and follow God's commandment(s)--they chose to use their freedom to rebel against God and go their own way--deciding good and evil, right and wrong, for themselves--with the disastrous results of separation from God and the long-terms results of the chaos we see the world in today.

Before creation even began, God of course knew how freewill would be used and had "planned ahead" to counter the result with His Son's sacrifice on Calvary.

Why give them freewill, in the first place, you ask? Because true Love is not possible without it. Love cannot be forced! And Love, after all, is why we were created in the first place.

-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.

God, of course, didn't create anyone "to burn forever in Hell." He is a loving Father, and like any loving father, he wants the best for His children. He has done everything in His power to guide us in the right direction and help us to make the best use possible of the provisions He has made for our Salvation. No one gets "sent to hell." All will be given an opportunity to make an informed choice in the matter--even those who have not had the opportunity to hear the Gospel in their earthly lifetimes due to circumstances beyond their control. God is Just, as well as Merciful!

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

Hell is a state of eternal separation from God. Beyond this, we don't know much. When Scripture speaks of hell, it is done through the use of allegories and similes. All we know for sure is that it is NOT God's will for us that any of His children end up in that circumstance, and those who do end up in that state are there because of their freely made choices.

Thank you, Nice to meet you ^^

The honor and pleasure are mine!

BE BLESSED!

ABBA'S FOOL,
ephraim

 

[Norbert L]

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

Have you read and studied the book of Proverbs? In my opionion it's a very good place to start exploring Christianity for a person from a Buddist background. You see... a person would need to first understand how to do simple mathematics before they jump in a do quantum physics.

Christianity is a huge world of knowledge and what looks like simple questions, aren't simple questions. For instance not all Christian teachings believe every person's fate is to burn forever in Hell because they are something other than Christian. Then some Christians also believe other Christians will burn in hell because they don't believe in the exact same teachings. Then there's the teaching of soul-sleep and Anihilation, there's a lot more to the subject than meets the eye.

However as far as really answering your question about a person's fate without Jesus Christ in this day. It's the same fate that is described in the following scripture about a fellow Christian who is acting as someone who is not a Christian.

"In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus." (1Co 5:4-5)

So NO, I believe all Buddists are not necessarily ending up being condemned, they too may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. Also about:

-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?

It's not "how could", it's why God created an imperfect mankind, He did it for a reason,

"For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope" (Rom 8:20)

Anyhow my suggestion, start with a book like Proverbs about Christian wisdom and remember the Four Reliances, that might give you some helpful insights.

Hope that helps,

Norbert

 

[EazyMack]

-Why does your God cause suffering?

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
- Romans 6:23

-Why does God not take everyone to heaven now?

Not everyone wants to be with God.

-For a Christian, are men and women equal?

So God created man in His own image; male and female He created them.
- Genesis 1:27

-Do you believe in Reincarnation?

Nope.

Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him.
- Hebrews 9:27-28

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

Of course this is referring to murder of another human.

But just for fun:
God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground."
- Genesis 1:28

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

Buddha was an atheist philosipher. He came up with his own ideas on how the universe works, and people ran with those ideas because they sounded good.

Jesus backed up everything He said by raising from the dead, as He said He would, proving He is the Son of God. I'll take His word for it.

-How could Adam and Eve ever have sinned if God had actually created them perfect, even if they did have free will?

Where do you get this from?

If God created them imperfect, how could a perfect omnipotent being create anything imperfect?

This goes back to that "free will" thing you already mentioned.

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.

Remember, God doesn't send people to hell, people walk there on their own two feet. He is reaching to YOU through an invitation to be with Him forever. He was desperate enough to show His love for you that He willingly laid down His life in the ultimate display of love. He will not force you to come home, but His arms are open to you! He loves you, He wants you. But it is your choice.

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

You will get a gazillion different answers. My feelings on it are, it doesn't matter! Whatever hell is, I don't want to be separate from God. Jesus paid the price so I wouldn't have to see what hell is. I thank Him & receive His love! I pray that you do, too.

For God so loved the world (this includes YOU!) that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
- John 3:16

If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on Him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
- Romans 10:9-13

 

[molimar]

I have a Buddhist friend who converted to Christianity. Alot came from the understanding of cause and effect with synchronicity. St. Thomas Aquinas was an early Doctor of the Church that describe life with a synchronistic philosophy. Please check it out because it describes truly the omnipotentence and ominiscient powers of the Divine.

 

[Sketcher]

-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?

He made everything "very good" by the time he was finished actually making whatever it was that he was making. But free will is a double-edged sword. Without free will, there's no meaning in the worship that your little created beings give you. Without free will, they can't really choose to love. In order for creation to be "very good," there must be free will, and if there's free will, there is the possibility that we will screw it all up, which we did.

-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.

You don't really know that you're going to remain Buddhist, do you? In 5 years, you'll be more different than you can imagine, even if you do remain Buddhist, so who is to say that you will die a Buddhist? Maybe God knows you're going to convert at a later time in life, and you don't know that yet.

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

It's a physical place in the spiritual realm for people who reject God. It also happens to be a very painful place to be, since it is the absence of all of God's comfort and love. We get a little bit of that here on Earth. There will be none of it at all in Hell.

 

[AvgJoe]

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

Natural disasters...who's to blame?

Some may say, "God didn’t do it; he just allowed it." I don't think that is a very good defense. Allowing something that you could stop is not much better than doing it yourself.​

When something bad happens, we want someone to blame. When the bad thing is a natural disaster, there’s no one left to blame but God. Earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, tidal waves, lightning strikes. They're called "acts of God." Nobody to blame, except God.​

So much tragedy and loss of life is caused by natural disasters. Why does a loving God let such mayhem happen?​

Perhaps a better questions is, why does God let anyone die?​

The man that dies of cancer, the young woman who is killed in a car accident or the person who lost their life by the senseless act of murder. Is the loss of life or the suffering and grief of these loved ones left behind any less real than the suffering and grief of those who die in natural disasters?​

Why would God allow this to happen?​

No doubt, God could have made the universe in such a way that nothing ever went wrong. But he didn’t. He created a world that is free to be itself—and to express its identity in continually fresh and creative ways. For some reason, he thinks that is good.​

Maybe that’s because it takes such a world, a wild and free world, to be the breeding ground for things God values in human beings—things like courage, devotion, loyalty, self-sacrifice, kindness, generosity, hope, trust. By anybody’s reckoning these are a few of the noblest features of humanity. Would such qualities exist in a world without risk, danger, calamity—and death?​

And where would love be in such a world? Love isn’t just a matter of getting along. Love is made real in the crucible of suffering, of self-sacrifice, of loyalty and devotion against the odds.​

God could stop all natural movement of earth, air and water. He could stop humans from making mistakes, making unwise decisions, being selfish, or stubborn or rude. God could have made a "Stepford Wives" style creation in which everything worked automatically. But he didn’t. God created a world in which something far more valuable than long physical life could exist. He made a world in which love can exist and grow. In love, humans pull together and respond to suffering and calamity. In love, humans forgive one another, help one another, encourage one another and stand by one another.​

God is not a stranger to human suffering. Christians believe that God became a man, suffered as a human and died as a human, and because of that, humanity itself has been taken up into God’s own being. In Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, humanity’s cause is now God’s cause. When we suffer, God suffers with us.​

God loved the world so much that God gave his Son that whoever believes in him would have new life. God sent his Son to save the world, he added, not to condemn it (see John 3:16-17).​

Death is part of life, and every person who lives will also die. Even you and even me. But death is not the end of the story of our lives.​

God did not make human beings merely for this life of suffering and grief—he made us for his new creation of fulfillment and joy, to all who place their faith (belief & trust) in Jesus, the son of God.​

 

[Lilo]

Natural disasters...who's to blame?

Some may say, "God didn’t do it; he just allowed it." I don't think that is a very good defense. Allowing something that you could stop is not much better than doing it yourself.​

When something bad happens, we want someone to blame. When the bad thing is a natural disaster, there’s no one left to blame but God. Earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, tidal waves, lightning strikes. They're called "acts of God." Nobody to blame, except God.​

So much tragedy and loss of life is caused by natural disasters. Why does a loving God let such mayhem happen?​

Perhaps a better questions is, why does God let anyone die?​

The man that dies of cancer, the young woman who is killed in a car accident or the person who lost their life by the senseless act of murder. Is the loss of life or the suffering and grief of these loved ones left behind any less real than the suffering and grief of those who die in natural disasters?​

Why would God allow this to happen?​

No doubt, God could have made the universe in such a way that nothing ever went wrong. But he didn’t. He created a world that is free to be itself—and to express its identity in continually fresh and creative ways. For some reason, he thinks that is good.​

Maybe that’s because it takes such a world, a wild and free world, to be the breeding ground for things God values in human beings—things like courage, devotion, loyalty, self-sacrifice, kindness, generosity, hope, trust. By anybody’s reckoning these are a few of the noblest features of humanity. Would such qualities exist in a world without risk, danger, calamity—and death?​

And where would love be in such a world? Love isn’t just a matter of getting along. Love is made real in the crucible of suffering, of self-sacrifice, of loyalty and devotion against the odds.​

God could stop all natural movement of earth, air and water. He could stop humans from making mistakes, making unwise decisions, being selfish, or stubborn or rude. God could have made a "Stepford Wives" style creation in which everything worked automatically. But he didn’t. God created a world in which something far more valuable than long physical life could exist. He made a world in which love can exist and grow. In love, humans pull together and respond to suffering and calamity. In love, humans forgive one another, help one another, encourage one another and stand by one another.​

God is not a stranger to human suffering. Christians believe that God became a man, suffered as a human and died as a human, and because of that, humanity itself has been taken up into God’s own being. In Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, humanity’s cause is now God’s cause. When we suffer, God suffers with us.​

God loved the world so much that God gave his Son that whoever believes in him would have new life. God sent his Son to save the world, he added, not to condemn it (see John 3:16-17).​

Death is part of life, and every person who lives will also die. Even you and even me. But death is not the end of the story of our lives.​

God did not make human beings merely for this life of suffering and grief—he made us for his new creation of fulfillment and joy, to all who place their faith (belief & trust) in Jesus, the son of God.​

Thank you very much for writing that for me ^^
It is and interesting topic I find.