Can I Have a Buddha Statue as a Christian? Is It Idolatry?

[Radagast]

Anyways, this mini zen garden helps with my little outbursts of anxiety, but it did come with a little Buddha statue.

Sounds to me like this idol has already distracted you from approaching God with your anxieties.

At first, I just kept the Buddha stored in the box

And why didn't it stay there?

he himself didn’t establish a religion

Actually, that's exactly what he did (although Buddhism is in fact a branch of ancient Hinduism).

It is also important to note that Buddhism itself is not a religion per se

Buddhism is indeed a religion, although it comes in a number of varieties, and teachings about the soul and about the supernatural differ.

It has no interference with religion

It sounds to me like you're trying really hard to justify the attempt to be both a Buddhist and a Christian. But that's impossible.

 

[Kellip171]

Sounds to me like this idol has already distracted you from approaching God with your anxieties.



And why didn't it stay there?



Actually, that's exactly what he did (although Buddhism is in fact a branch of ancient Hinduism).



Buddhism is indeed a religion, although it comes in a number of varieties, and teachings about the soul and about the supernatural differ.



It sounds to me like you're trying really hard to justify the attempt to be both a Buddhist and a Christian. But that's impossible.

I’m quite astounded by how aggressive you are towards someone who is simply addressing facts from history. I highly suggest you pick up a history book and read about Siddhārtha Gautama. Just because both Hinduism and Buddhism were both founded in India do not mean they are the same. Again, Siddhartha/Buddha did not create a religion himself. Buddhism, again is a non-theistic philosophy. You are looking too into today’s practices, rather than the Buddha himself.

Also, I find it quite rude that you question my faith, as my reply probably triggered you to say some hurtful things right away. You can hide behind a keyboard, but I am solely trying to provide some insightful information.

Not once did I say one can be Buddhist and Christian. I did say that one can be comfortable with their faith as a Christian and have a Buddhist statue.

May God bless you and release whatever in your life that causes such hostilities

 

[Radagast]

I highly suggest you pick up a history book and read about Siddhārtha Gautama.

I might say the same.

Just because both Hinduism and Buddhism were both founded in India do not mean they are the same.

I didn't say that they were the same. Buddhism and modern Hinduism are different, but they are both descended from ancient Hinduism, and share concepts like karma, moksha, and saṃsāra. These ideas are not compatible with Christianity.

Again, Siddhartha/Buddha did not create a religion himself.

Well, yes, he did. Specifically, he taught a softened version ("middle way") of ancient Hindu asceticism.

 

[Andrew77]

I am thinking of buying a little buddha statue for decorative purposes. Not to worship it or anything. Would that be sinful to do? Would it violate some christian commandment?

If you are a Christian, then your entire life becomes a witness of Christianity.

I have a copy of the Qur'an. I read it because I wanted to know more about what other people believe.

But I don't have that out where people can see it. It's not on display or for decoration.

Why? Because I'm a Christian. When people come in my house, they see a Christian home. Now I don't have every single square inch filled with propaganda and Bible tracks. But they see my Bible, and nothing else.... because there is nothing else. There is only one Lord, and no one else.

I think having a buddha statue would be confusing to non-christians, and possibly make people think that Christianity really doesn't mean that much to you.

I think also trying to tell people "oh that's just for decoration. I really am a Christian" will come across as hollow and excuse making.

You can do anything you want. The Bible doesn't say explicitly you are not allowed to have a decoration in your home.

My opinion? I wouldn't do anything that gives people reason to question what G-d you serve. You may not realize it, but to someone you know, you are the only Christian they have ever met. You need to realize that, and keep in mind you have more influence than you know.

 

[NothingIsImpossible]

This is a tough subject. I mean I would be a hypocrite to say its another god and you shouldn't own it. Because in my case I LOOOOVE egypt. I had a really nice (knock off of course) vase that had egyptian art on it including an eye or ra. I never seen it as an issue because I don't worship ra and I know ras not real. Its just an artsy egyptian style vase.

But when my wife seen it she freaked out and wanted me to get rid of it. She said it was not something a christian should own. Which ok, I agreed with her and decided to get rid of it. Though she did make me get rid of my ring that had a silver cobra head on it (snake) because snakes represent the devil. Which I found ridiculous. I kept it.... then sold it eventually for the money.

So logically God says not to have an idols before Him. Buddha is a god (not real of course) and shouldn't be kept. However if you were like an antique colleter, I maybe would not see the big deal with it. Though honestly I would never have a buddah state anyways because its not really artsy or anything. Its just a statue of a deity. Not comfortable with it.

With all this said I do have books that have egyptian stuff in them and show the eye or ra or horus and whatever. They are history books and I'm pretty sure don't offend God. He knows I am not worshipping a history book.

I'd also address people who say you shouldn't own a quran. True, you shouldn't. However if you wanted to read it so you can better understand a muslim and thus debate with them about the one true living God, that would be ok. Though I'd never read the quran because I'm not into have debates with people who are set in their ways when it comes to something like the quran.

 

[Kellip171]

I might say the same.



I didn't say that they were the same. Buddhism and modern Hinduism are different, but they are both descended from ancient Hinduism, and share concepts like karma, moksha, and saṃsāra. These ideas are not compatible with Christianity.



Well, yes, he did. Specifically, he taught a softened version ("middle way") of ancient Hindu asceticism.

The thing you are truly missing here is that buddha did not believe in religion himself. I do not really know what else to say because I keep reiterating that. Your point is that there are similarities between buddha's philosophy and hinduism. Ok, but that does not mean that buddha made a religion, but rather a philosophy or a way of life that he lived. A statue of Siddhartha Gautama himself does not need to represent buddhism if you do not see it in that way. Again. . . It is a personal view. I am not forcing others to share this view, it was merely my interpretation of the situation. Take it as you will.

 

[Radagast]

The thing you are truly missing here is that buddha did not believe in religion himself.

Yes he did. Gautama Buddha was an ascetic (śramaṇa) within ancient Hinduism, who later taught a softened version of śramaṇic religion (the "middle way"). He retained much of the religious content of ancient Hinduism, such as karma, moksha, and saṃsāra.

Why are you trying to pretend that Buddhism is not a religion?

 

[Sal Robinson]

I used to keep three Buddhist statues in my room, and I cherished them.


I was born and raised a buddist. I heard Buddhist teachings till I was 18. Went with my family to the temple etc.

Buddhist teachings were poisionous to the seed of truth God was planting in my soul.

In Buddhism there is no God.

All their seemingly harmless teachings are the complete opposite to what Jesus taught and who Jesus is.

Speaking as someone who cherished three Buddha statues for 18 years, don’t get them.

I got rid of mine and never looked back.

Your house should help you grow in the love God has for you and others, a Buddhist statue would be poisonous to that process.

 

[Jonathan Leo]

Plus, Buddha isn't even a diety or a god. His teachings are just a way of life.

Very true, but like all wisdom that comes to man such as Buddha, it originates with God for He is wisdom and understanding
Buddha teaches karma
Jesus taught reap what you sow
Buddha teaches to let go of anger
Jesus taught forgiveness which in turn releases you from it

 

[jonahthesign]

I am thinking of buying a little buddha statue for decorative purposes. Not to worship it or anything. Would that be sinful to do? Would it violate some christian commandment?

The scriptures say if you bring an accursed thing into your home you become accursed like it. Buddha will give demons legal right to enter your home and opress you.

 

[lastofall]

Is it bad to own a Buddha Statue if I'm christian?
Yes, because you already know that it is an idol, an object of worship.

 

[Mountainmanbob]

Buddha will give demons legal right to enter your home and opress you.

It possibly could?
Or it could just be another thing that helps to separate us from God?
M-Bob

 

[Avniel]

I think it depends on the nature of the purchase. If you buy these items for spiritual empowerment you've made a grave and dangerous error. However if you're an art collector and you enjoy art from that particular region, I don't believe it has much power. We as christians place power in these objects.

 

[LoricaLady]

Buddha taught a different gospel than Messiah. Why would you want a statue of him? The Bible tells us not to have pagan things in our home.

 

[usexpat97]

I know from my own experience that there is only so much home décor and art I can put in my home. I can run into a really cool art sale--90% off--and I soon realize that no matter how cheap or cool a painting is, it means I have to take something down in order to put it up. Plus it has to match.

That's the biggest problem I see with a Buddha statue--that you have to displace something else. My house has crosses, a prominent artistic rendering of Jesus.... What I am going to do? Take down a cross and put up a Buddha statue? Even if nothing else, it doesn't match.

Now if I switch to another, maritime/beach theme, that absolutely does match. Since Jesus walked on water (and you can, too), calmed the waves, and such. Maritime is religious-neutral, too. But unlike Buddha, the two can co-exist in the same house. Buddha is more like letting your ex-girlfriend live with you and your new wife and family.

 

[Avniel]

1 Corinthians 8 King James Version (KJV)
8 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.

2 And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.

3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him.

4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.

5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)

6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

7 Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.

8 But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.

9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.

10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;

11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?

12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.

13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

Buddha taught a different gospel than Messiah. Why would you want a statue of him? The Bible tells us not to have pagan things in our home.

 

[Avniel]

There’s no power in it. The only reason I wouldn’t do it is because it doesn’t match the flow of my house.

 

[Mountainmanbob]

As you walk into the casino down the road they have a Buddha statue there and many will rub his belly as they go by for luck.

I would not touch that thing and don't believe in luck.

M-Bob

 

[usexpat97]

I hope you're not doing the casino either.

 

[carp614]

I possess icons of various religions that I have collected in my travels. They are artifacts...paperweights...trifles. I have various scripture written on the walls of my home and framed in pictures. I like displaying these verses in my home as reminders to me and my family, but they are just objects. Written words, stickers, post cards. They are of little value in themselves and would be nothing more than virtue signaling if not for the manifestation of the Holy Spirit in my life, my behavior, my decisions everyday.

I have a friend who is most certainly not a Christian. He is a horribly bitter, angry, unhappy man. There was a place in his home that was adorned floor to ceiling with crosses. They carried no power over him. They did nothing to quell the evil one's hold over his life or his home. They were artifacts, art objects, trinkets...nothing more.

These objects have only the power you give them...If you think they have power over you, than they probably do.