Reaching across the aisle

[ShadedLotus]

Hello everyone. So, as you may be able to tell from my profile, I am a Buddhist. As a person whose religious practice is centered on compassion, I have decided that it is important for me to reach out to those whose religious practice also is based on compassion--even if we might not agree on everything. For too long, religion has served as a tool to divide people and create conflict, even though our similarities often are as numerous as our differences. Jesus said he was the Way and the Life, but he never taught anyone to disparage those who may disagree; it's reassuring to know that fact has not been lost on many Christians. Indeed, I have had great success and many constructive conversations so far.

What is your view on such outreach? Do you have any suggestions on how to improve dialogue between faiths?

I hope I put this topic in the correct location. There are a lot of different forums, so I tried to pick that which seemed the most appropriate.

 

[Wirraway]

...

What is your view on such outreach? Do you have any suggestions on how to improve dialogue between faiths?...

find a faith based charity in your area and volunteer, you'll meet actual Christians and can have all the dialog you need.

 

[christianstoicism]

I celebrate the diversity of methods of spiritual progress.

I encourage interfaith communication and acceptance.

I believe that the main religious systems of the modern world
all share faith in similar Eternal Truths.

So, I'm a Christian you could easily have a spiritual
conversation with.

If it doesn't work out for you here on the Moderate board,
there is a Liberal board here on Christian Forums.

 

[ShadedLotus]

find a faith based charity in your area and volunteer, you'll meet actual Christians and can have all the dialog you need.

That's a good idea. I've been attending some of the churches I went to in the past, as well as some Christian groups on campus (I'm in college), but it'd be nice to do volunteer work as well. Faith without works is dead, after all.

I celebrate the diversity of methods of spiritual progress.

I encourage interfaith communication and acceptance.

I believe that the main religious systems of the modern world
all share faith in similar Eternal Truths.

So, I'm a Christian you could easily have a spiritual
conversation with.

If it doesn't work out for you here on the Moderate board,
there is a Liberal board here on Christian Forums.

I'm glad to hear it. Too often radical "Christians"--such as the members of the Westboro Baptist Church--give the entirety of Christianity a bad name. Although I already was aware of it, it's nice to have continued evidence that they actually are just a very small minority. I look forward to having conversations with you.

 

[christianstoicism]

That's a good idea. I've been attending some of the churches I went to in the past, as well as some Christian groups on campus (I'm in college), but it'd be nice to do volunteer work as well. Faith without works is dead, after all.


I'm glad to hear it. Too often radical "Christians"--such as the members of the Westboro Baptist Church--give the entirety of Christianity a bad name. Although I already was aware of it, it's nice to have continued evidence that they actually are just a very small minority. I look forward to having conversations with you.

I was reading from the Pali Canon earlier this week, and
I'm glad to have met you because I found myself a bit
confused...

Is Nirvana, according to Buddhist philosophy, a state of
non-existence? I understand the Buddhist believe in
samsara, karma, and reincarnation, but, what do Buddhists
believe happens when someone attains Nirvana?

 

[Wirraway]

...volunteer work as well. Faith without works is dead, after all.
...

its essential to do charitable acts. you might consider Catholic Worker, if there's one in your area. street-level service to the poor and homeless, socially conscious on other issues, mostly interdenominational, run on a shoestring. I'm sure there are others like it.

you won't learn anything important about Christianity by talking about it on an internet board.

 

[ShadedLotus]

I was reading from the Pali Canon earlier this week, and
I'm glad to have met you because I found myself a bit
confused...

Is Nirvana, according to Buddhist philosophy, a state of
non-existence? I understand the Buddhist believe in
samsara, karma, and reincarnation, but, what do Buddhists
believe happens when someone attains Nirvana?

This is so interesting. Every time I've done outreach, I've encountered people whom I have been able to learn from as well as share teachings. Although I don't necessarily believe in a higher purpose for events, they definitely confirm to me that I am doing the right thing.

Anyway, I'm still very new to this practice (only a year or so), but I will try to help. Nirvana is neither existence nor non-existence; it is the unconditioned. To quote the Pali Canon (kudos on knowing what that is, btw ) : "There is that dimension where there is neither earth, nor water, nor fire, nor wind; neither dimension of the infinitude of space, nor dimension of the infinitude of consciousness, nor dimension of nothingness, nor dimension of neither perception nor non-perception; neither this world, nor the next world, nor sun, nor moon. And there, I say, there is neither coming, nor going, nor staying; neither passing away nor arising: unestablished, unevolving, without support (mental object). This, just this, is the end of stress."

It's impossible to understand until one has reached enlightenment.

its essential to do charitable acts. you might consider Catholic Worker, if there's one in your area. street-level service to the poor and homeless, socially conscious on other issues, mostly interdenominational, run on a shoestring. I'm sure there are others like it.

Thanks, I will check that out.

you won't learn anything important about Christianity by talking about it on an internet board.

Well, I was a Christian for most of my life, so I have at least a decent understanding of the religion. But I don't think people have to see each other face to face to connect--but it certainly helps!

 

[christianstoicism]

its essential to do charitable acts. you might consider Catholic Worker, if there's one in your area. street-level service to the poor and homeless, socially conscious on other issues, mostly interdenominational, run on a shoestring. I'm sure there are others like it.

you won't learn anything important about Christianity by talking about it on an internet board.

Amen. Christianity is an experience.

 

[christianstoicism]

This is so interesting. Every time I've done outreach, I've encountered people whom I have been able to learn from as well as share teachings. Although I don't necessarily believe in a higher purpose for events, they definitely confirm to me that I am doing the right thing.

Anyway, I'm still very new to this practice (only a year or so), but I will try to help. Nirvana is neither existence nor non-existence; it is the unconditioned. To quote the Pali Canon (kudos on knowing what that is, btw ) : "There is that dimension where there is neither earth, nor water, nor fire, nor wind; neither dimension of the infinitude of space, nor dimension of the infinitude of consciousness, nor dimension of nothingness, nor dimension of neither perception nor non-perception; neither this world, nor the next world, nor sun, nor moon. And there, I say, there is neither coming, nor going, nor staying; neither passing away nor arising: unestablished, unevolving, without support (mental object). This, just this, is the end of stress."

It's impossible to understand until one has reached enlightenment.

That must be a wonderful state of mind for those who
may have ever been able to achieve it.

The church that I attend actually hosts an interfaith
discussion group on Wednesday night, and the leader of
a local Buddhist temple and I sat down for coffee together,
and he mentioned how he noticed Christianity and Buddhism
are actually quite similar.

Buddha, according to Buddhist literature, attained enlightenment
after spiritually defeating Mara beneath the Bo Tree.

Jesus, according to our Bible, defeated temptation in the Garden
of Gethsamane when, though he was completely scared of the
events that were to come, casted His own wishes aside and
prayed "Not my will, but Thine."

I get along great with Buddhists, because I've noticed that one
of the central theme in both Christian and Buddhist philosophy is
Letting Go.

As you can tell by my screen name, I am Christian in faith and
Stoic in philosophy. Stoic philosophy is perfectly harmonious with
Buddhist teachings.

 

[ShadedLotus]

Buddha, according to Buddhist literature, attained enlightenment
after spiritually defeating Mara beneath the Bo Tree.

Jesus, according to our Bible, defeated temptation in the Garden
of Gethsamane when, though he was completely scared of the
events that were to come, casted His own wishes aside and
prayed "Not my will, but Thine."

Exactly. The Buddha encountered and defeated his own desire (Mara), and Jesus encountered his own fear and doubt and defeated them, both going on to fulfill their ultimate goals. They're inspiring stories, even if one who doesn't accept them.

The church that I attend actually hosts an interfaith
discussion group on Wednesday night, and the leader of
a local Buddhist temple and I sat down for coffee together,
and he mentioned how he noticed Christianity and Buddhism
are actually quite similar.

Ah, I wish I knew of something like that around here. That sounds amazing.

I recommend reading the works of Thich Nhat Hanh, if you're interested on that topic. His books "Living Buddha, Living Christ" and "Going Home: Jesus and Buddha as Brothers" both are excellent.

I get along great with Buddhists, because I've noticed that one
of the central theme in both Christian and Buddhist philosophy is
Letting Go.

Indeed. Some of the teachings of Jesus and the Buddha--especially with regards to ethics--are virtually identical. I found a site with a really interesting comparison, but I can't post the link, because I don't have enough posts. If you wish to check it out, Google "bible code digest buddha and christ," and it should come up as the first result.

 

[christianstoicism]

I actually have a book by Thich Nhat Hanh in my
philosophical library that I've read. It was a book
he wrote to introduce readers to the basics of
Buddhism. He's not a bad writer at all.

If you ever should wish to go to truly accepting church
there are many Open Door churches that are welcoming
and accepting of all people. The church I attend, which
is a Metropolitan Community Church, is very welcoming
and encourages everyone and anyone to come on in and
join us on Sundays.

We are God-focused, Spirit-led and Christ-centered,
but we also acknowledge and regret how religion and
Christianity have, and continue to be used by some as
a tool to contain, control, demean and dismiss people.
We take very seriously the commandment to Love God
and Neighbor (and we believe this means EVERYONE).

We are radically re-imagining what it means to be a
community and a church and we are re-examining our
own “taken-for-granted” assumptions as we look more
closely at what the ancient texts, early church, life
and ministry of Jesus and our collective experiences tell us
about God, our faith, and our ministry.

I think the best churches are those where, whether you
identify as a Christian or not, you are always welcomed to
join us on this exciting journey.

Do you, as a Buddhist, believe that Christians can
attain this sense of Nirvana?

 

[Wirraway]

are either of you familiar with the works of Thomas Merton, the writer and Trappist monk?

 

[christianstoicism]

are either of you familiar with the works of Thomas Merton, the writer and Trappist monk?

Thomas Merton? Yes, definitely. Wonderful writer.

 

[ShadedLotus]

I actually have a book by Thich Nhat Hanh in my
philosophical library that I've read. It was a book
he wrote to introduce readers to the basics of
Buddhism. He's not a bad writer at all.

Really? That's awesome. Yeah, he is a good writer, although he tends to repeat ideas.

If you ever should wish to go to truly accepting church
there are many Open Door churches that are welcoming
and accepting of all people. The church I attend, which
is a Metropolitan Community Church, is very welcoming
and encourages everyone and anyone to come on in and
join us on Sundays.

That's the thing I want the most, honestly (not that I've encountered any rejection so far). Is "Open Door" a denomination or sect? I wasn't able to find anything on Google.

We are God-focused, Spirit-led and Christ-centered,
but we also acknowledge and regret how religion and
Christianity have, and continue to be used by some as
a tool to contain, control, demean and dismiss people.
We take very seriously the commandment to Love God
and Neighbor (and we believe this means EVERYONE).

We are radically re-imagining what it means to be a
community and a church and we are re-examining our
own “taken-for-granted” assumptions as we look more
closely at what the ancient texts, early church, life
and ministry of Jesus and our collective experiences tell us
about God, our faith, and our ministry.

It sounds like a wonderful church. Maybe it just is the fact that I'm paying more attention now, but it appears that this style of open, progressive churches has grown in popularity recently. Whatever it is, it certainly makes me happy!

Do you, as a Buddhist, believe that Christians can
attain this sense of Nirvana?

I don't have an answer to that question. I certainly don't believe enlightenment is limited to those who practice Buddhism, but I do believe that one needs to follow the noble eightfold path (right view, right intentions, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right concentration, and right mindfulness) as realized by the Buddha. Of course, "right view" implies that there is such a thing as "wrong view," but I don't think I'm wise enough yet to understand fully what that includes. I don't see why a person of any religion couldn't follow that path (I'm sure a lot of people are following it without even realizing it!).

 

[Wirraway]

Merton and C.S. Lewis, whom our stoic friend might appreciate, have been among my main literary influences in matters of faith formation.

 

[ShadedLotus]

Ah, I didn't see your post. I think I've heard of him, although I do not believe I've actually read any of his writings.

 

[Atlantians]

I actually have a book by Thich Nhat Hanh in my
philosophical library that I've read. It was a book
he wrote to introduce readers to the basics of
Buddhism. He's not a bad writer at all.

If you ever should wish to go to truly accepting church
there are many Open Door churches that are welcoming
and accepting of all people. The church I attend, which
is a Metropolitan Community Church, is very welcoming
and encourages everyone and anyone to come on in and
join us on Sundays.

We are God-focused, Spirit-led and Christ-centered,
but we also acknowledge and regret how religion and
Christianity have, and continue to be used by some as
a tool to contain, control, demean and dismiss people.
We take very seriously the commandment to Love God
and Neighbor (and we believe this means EVERYONE).

We are radically re-imagining what it means to be a
community and a church and we are re-examining our
own “taken-for-granted” assumptions as we look more
closely at what the ancient texts, early church, life
and ministry of Jesus and our collective experiences tell us
about God, our faith, and our ministry.

I think the best churches are those where, whether you
identify as a Christian or not, you are always welcomed to
join us on this exciting journey.

Do you, as a Buddhist, believe that Christians can
attain this sense of Nirvana?

In other words you are an Emergent.
A neo-Liberal.
Theological liberalism 2.0.

Christ's death is not about substituting Himself for our sins.
Its about standing up to the tyrannical Roman Empire, mirroring the modern neo-colonial capitalists.
Its about bringing everybody together in happy spiritual community, not redeeming the elect from amidst the many.

Its just a giant cosmic narrative of God making the world a happier better place every day.
Rather than the Holy and Righteous Judge lovingly and mercifully withholding His final judgement until He has saved all whom He wishes of the undeserving and depraved; as well as having gave much common grace to those unsaved who deserve to be left to their fullest wickedness.

All religions, if sincerely followed, ultimately lead to the same place.
The spirit is but a wind pushing all in the same general direction.

Why call yourself 'Christian' when you Rob that term of all its meaning?
And then say 'Church' as you strum the Bell of its demise?

Christianity is not yours to re-imagine. It is to be defended gallantly and upheld.
The Church is not yours to re-examine but rather it is we the body or bride of Christ being nurtured and cared for in anticipation of the Wedding Supper of the Lamb.

 

[KM Richards]

he never taught anyone to disparage those who may disagree

That's true...but due to fear...most religions think that when a person of a different religions tells them they think their faith is not what God is saying to man...they get all offended, and mad, and start building bombs, etc, etc

The book of Proverbs says that "every man's way is right in his own eyes"

So, rule number one when dealing with any human being on any level (whether the subject be religion, polyticks, work, or whatever)...they believe they are right...otherwise, they wouldn't be believing what they are believing in the first place.

God did give mankind the right to free will, so a person can believe a telephone pole is God if they so desire...

Even though I'm a Christian and I obviously am convinced that Jesus is the only way to The Father...I also don't believe in trying to "force" others to believe in Jesus.

God doesn't try to force anyone to believe either...they'll regret it for all of eternity if they don't, but true Love (God is Love) is a gentleman and doesn't demand that you accept Jesus as Lord...He simply demands that you be given a choice.

Since you've heard about Jesus...you've been given a choice.
What you do with that choice determines eternity for you...or not, if you choose not to believe that.

There on way to find out if Jesus is the way or not beyond a shadow of anybody's doubt...
And, that is to die! (something all of us will experience eventually...so, we're all going to know...)

 

[theb4ssm4ncometh]

I would say that christian and Buddhist philosophy are morally similar.

The principal difference in our philosophy would be on whether or not Jesus was the (a) messiah, and secondly what sort of transcendence man can achieve on his own.

Correct me if Im wrong, but Buddhists believe that one can become one with god by acting morally and following the 8fold path-

Whereas christian transcendence cannot be achieved by any sort of living but only by forgiveness

that as a principal disagreement really leaves us a lot of room to work together while we dialouge

 

[Johnnz]

Its hard to reach out across the aisle when people like Atlantis dump their preconceptions onto others without ever having identified just where they are in their beliefs. And his using terms without any clarification of what he means by them; mere pejorative labels.

John
NZ