This book was borrowed from the library a few days ago. I would like to share them with fellow Buddhists and interested parties.
Excerpts from the Editor's Preface (Marcus Borg):
...As a Christian, I have lived with Jesus all of my life. I have not lived with the Buddha. In adulthood, I have become a non-exclusivist Christian. It seems clear that "the sacred" has been known in all of the makor religious traditions, and I do not think that Christianity is the only adequate religion, even though it is my "home".
Thus I write as a Jesus scholar and a devoted but non-exclusivist Christian. Buddhists might see matters differently, and I know that some Christians would. But the cumulative product of my thinking and experience is the conclusion that Jesus and the Buddha are the two most remarkable religious figures who have ever lived.
Moreover, there are striking similarities between them. I have sometimes said that if the Buddha and Jesus were to meet, neither would try to convert the other - not because they would regard such an effort as hopeless, but because they would recognise one another.
...As a Christian, there was a time when I thought Christianity was the only way - the only true religion. It was part of the inherited belief of my childhood. There came a time when this belief crumbled, and all religions looked like human interventions. The disappearance of my belief in the uniqueness of Christianity was accompanied by a skepticism about religions in general.
In more recent years, my appreciation of religious pluralism - my acquaintance with a number of the world's religions, and my studies of religious experience across cultures - has reversed that skepticism.
The parallels among the religions (especially at the level of experience and teaching about "the way", though not very much at the level of doctrine) suggest that there is something here worth taking seriously.
In short, seeing the parallels between the wisdom teaching of Jesus and the Buddha adds to the credibility of both. Acceptance of religious pluralism need not generate skepticism, but can provide grounds for saying, "Here is something I must not ignore".
And so I invite you to ponder the parallels between these two enlightened teachers of an enlightenment wisdom. The path of which they both speak is a path of liberation from our anxious grasping, resurrection into a new way of being, and transformation into the compassionate life.
Some parallel sayings on Compassion:
The chapter introduction says this - 'Most striking of all the parallels between Jesus and Buddha are those dealing with love. Both teachers invoke the Golden Rule of treating others as you want them to treat you.'
JESUS
Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. From anyone who takes away your coat, do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again.
LUKE 6.27-30
BUDDHA
Hatreds do not ever cease in this world by hating, but by love, this is an eternal truth... Overcome anger by love, overcome evil by good. Overcome the miser by giving, over the liar by truth.
DHAMMAPADA 1.5 & 17.3
JESUS
Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
JOHN 1.17
BUDDHA
The body of the Buddha is born of love, patience, gentleness, and truth.
VIMALAKIRTINIRDESHA SUTRA 2
JESUS
I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.
LUKE 15.10
BUDDHA
The bodhisattva loves all living beings as if each were his only child.
VIMALAKIRTINIRDESHA SUTRA 5
If a religion/faith was managed with 'true of heart' and sincerity, there would never have been such great separatism of Man as a result of differences in faiths and beliefs in our world today.
Both Jesus and Buddha had important roles and missions to carry out on Earth. Converting and fighting each other's followers (in words, thoughts or deeds) was never once on their mind. Unfortunately, those who came after them had other interpretations of their original teachings, whether intentionally or otherwise. No texts being circulated in this world today were written 100% personally by them, only those who came after them. No teaching style being used in this world today were used 100% personally by them, only those who came after them.
For anyone with a religion or faith, he should ask a trusted friend of a different religion or faith, what he thinks of him truthfully. If someone cannot find such a trusted friend in multi-cultural, multi-racial, multi-faith peaceful Singapore, then obviously, some self-reflection is seriously needed to understand why that is so.
Rainbow Jigsaw of Life
Although there are many parallel sayings, the main difference is Jesus said unbelievers will condemn to hell but Buddha did not say that.
Buddhism was born in a India, where he refuted the basis of an eternal soul independent of a body, and also an eternal creator.In this way, the teaching are different from Hinduism. He also teaches what that be attainable by man, through his own efforts, each for himself. In short, one is accountable for one's future, and not to be dependent of an external god. Buddhism believes in reincarnation but not an eternal soul.
Christianity is god based as are many of the other monothestic religions, where salvation is only possible through christ.Obedience is called for, that believers are part his flock, The lines are clearly drawn, salvation or eternal condemnation upon judgement day. With exception of the state called limbo. Once a person dies,he either goes to heaven or lies in dead slumber, until risen to face judgement.
So one is an inclusive religion, yet not polytheistic, the other is an monotheistic, exclusive.
Also in christianity, stewardship of animals are given for man's consumption, so eating animals is a right. So compassion and lovingkindness is not extended to animals or their suffering.
Buddhism,Ioving kindness extends to all sentient beings, including the devas and asuras, where else the gods of polytheistic beliefs are regarded as demons, fallen angels. Any mediumship or channelling is is understood to be demonic in nature.
Most importantly, Buddhism believes in inherent goodness of man, hence Buddha nature, through cultivation and practice of mindfulness, nirvana, or cessation can be achieved. Whereas all human are sinners due the original sin, however, many good deeds is done, cannot wash away the sins. Only through the blood of christ and accepting him, one can be redeemed or "reborned".
Loving kindness is unconditional, bodhisattvas make great vows to help all sentients being,regardless of beliefs. However, the love in christianity, is ultimately reserved for those who accept christ, the rest is condemned in hell. You will be able to read of god leashing in anger and obliterating objects of his anger in the bible.
In many aspects ,christianity is dualistic in nature, where else not budhism is not. Others may be able to put in context better then me.
Originally posted by Rainbow Jigsaw:If a religion/faith was managed with 'true of heart' and sincerity, there would never have been such great separatism of Man as a result of differences in faiths and beliefs in our world today.
Both Jesus and Buddha had important roles and missions to carry out on Earth. Converting and fighting each other's followers (in words, thoughts or deeds) was never once on their mind. Unfortunately, those who came after them had other interpretations of their original teachings, whether intentionally or otherwise. No texts being circulated in this world today were written 100% personally by them, only those who came after them. No teaching style being used in this world today were used 100% personally by them, only those who came after them.
For anyone with a religion or faith, he should ask a trusted friend of a different religion or faith, what he thinks of him truthfully. If someone cannot find such a trusted friend in multi-cultural, multi-racial, multi-faith peaceful Singapore, then obviously, some self-reflection is seriously needed to understand why that is so.
Rainbow Jigsaw of Life
He who sees the Dharma sees me, the Buddha lives in the Dharma, the Sangha. To say otherwise, is not understand the Buddha,or his teachings. Buddhahood is attainable by each for himself, although that is not to say it is going to easy.
The bible is called Holy for a reason, it is the word of God, Christians swear on it.
The biggest problem in religions or anybody for that is clinging or attachment.
Originally posted by Spnw07:This book was borrowed from the library a few days ago. I would like to share them with fellow Buddhists and interested parties.
Excerpts from the Editor's Preface (Marcus Borg):
...As a Christian, I have lived with Jesus all of my life. I have not lived with the Buddha. In adulthood, I have become a non-exclusivist Christian. It seems clear that "the sacred" has been known in all of the makor religious traditions, and I do not think that Christianity is the only adequate religion, even though it is my "home".
Thus I write as a Jesus scholar and a devoted but non-exclusivist Christian. Buddhists might see matters differently, and I know that some Christians would. But the cumulative product of my thinking and experience is the conclusion that Jesus and the Buddha are the two most remarkable religious figures who have ever lived.
Moreover, there are striking similarities between them. I have sometimes said that if the Buddha and Jesus were to meet, neither would try to convert the other - not because they would regard such an effort as hopeless, but because they would recognise one another.
...As a Christian, there was a time when I thought Christianity was the only way - the only true religion. It was part of the inherited belief of my childhood. There came a time when this belief crumbled, and all religions looked like human interventions. The disappearance of my belief in the uniqueness of Christianity was accompanied by a skepticism about religions in general.
In more recent years, my appreciation of religious pluralism - my acquaintance with a number of the world's religions, and my studies of religious experience across cultures - has reversed that skepticism.
The parallels among the religions (especially at the level of experience and teaching about "the way", though not very much at the level of doctrine) suggest that there is something here worth taking seriously.
In short, seeing the parallels between the wisdom teaching of Jesus and the Buddha adds to the credibility of both. Acceptance of religious pluralism need not generate skepticism, but can provide grounds for saying, "Here is something I must not ignore".
And so I invite you to ponder the parallels between these two enlightened teachers of an enlightenment wisdom. The path of which they both speak is a path of liberation from our anxious grasping, resurrection into a new way of being, and transformation into the compassionate life.
Some parallel sayings on Compassion:
The chapter introduction says this - 'Most striking of all the parallels between Jesus and Buddha are those dealing with love. Both teachers invoke the Golden Rule of treating others as you want them to treat you.'
JESUS
Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. From anyone who takes away your coat, do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again.
LUKE 6.27-30
BUDDHA
Hatreds do not ever cease in this world by hating, but by love, this is an eternal truth... Overcome anger by love, overcome evil by good. Overcome the miser by giving, over the liar by truth.
DHAMMAPADA 1.5 & 17.3
JESUS
Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
JOHN 1.17
BUDDHA
The body of the Buddha is born of love, patience, gentleness, and truth.
VIMALAKIRTINIRDESHA SUTRA 2
JESUS
I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.
LUKE 15.10
BUDDHA
The bodhisattva loves all living beings as if each were his only child.
VIMALAKIRTINIRDESHA SUTRA 5
The problem lies not in expounding love , but the practising of it. Mindfulness is called for in all instances. However, I appreciate your noble intentions.
Originally posted by Rainbow Jigsaw:If a religion/faith was managed with 'true of heart' and sincerity, there would never have been such great separatism of Man as a result of differences in faiths and beliefs in our world today.
Both Jesus and Buddha had important roles and missions to carry out on Earth. Converting and fighting each other's followers (in words, thoughts or deeds) was never once on their mind. Unfortunately, those who came after them had other interpretations of their original teachings, whether intentionally or otherwise. No texts being circulated in this world today were written 100% personally by them, only those who came after them. No teaching style being used in this world today were used 100% personally by them, only those who came after them.
For anyone with a religion or faith, he should ask a trusted friend of a different religion or faith, what he thinks of him truthfully. If someone cannot find such a trusted friend in multi-cultural, multi-racial, multi-faith peaceful Singapore, then obviously, some self-reflection is seriously needed to understand why that is so.
Rainbow Jigsaw of Life
Agree on the last part... Regardless of what religion...
And not only religion, but everyone including those "free thinkers"...
Originally posted by Weychin:Buddhism was born in a India, where he refuted the basis of an eternal soul independent of a body, and also an eternal creator.In this way, the teaching are different from Hinduism. He also teaches what that be attainable by man, through his own efforts, each for himself. In short, one is accountable for one's future, and not to be dependent of an external god. Buddhism believes in reincarnation but not an eternal soul.
Christianity is god based as are many of the other monothestic religions, where salvation is only possible through christ.Obedience is called for, that believers are part his flock, The lines are clearly drawn, salvation or eternal condemnation upon judgement day. With exception of the state called limbo. Once a person dies,he either goes to heaven or lies in dead slumber, until risen to face judgement.
So one is an inclusive religion, yet not polytheistic, the other is an monotheistic, exclusive.
Also in christianity, stewardship of animals are given for man's consumption, so eating animals is a right. So compassion and lovingkindness is not extended to animals or their suffering.
Buddhism,Ioving kindness extends to all sentient beings, including the devas and asuras, where else the gods of polytheistic beliefs are regarded as demons, fallen angels. Any mediumship or channelling is is understood to be demonic in nature.
Most importantly, Buddhism believes in inherent goodness of man, hence Buddha nature, through cultivation and practice of mindfulness, nirvana, or cessation can be achieved. Whereas all human are sinners due the original sin, however, many good deeds is done, cannot wash away the sins. Only through the blood of christ and accepting him, one can be redeemed or "reborned".
Loving kindness is unconditional, bodhisattvas make great vows to help all sentients being,regardless of beliefs. However, the love in christianity, is ultimately reserved for those who accept christ, the rest is condemned in hell. You will be able to read of god leashing in anger and obliterating objects of his anger in the bible.
In many aspects ,christianity is dualistic in nature, where else not budhism is not. Others may be able to put in context better then me.
Well said. I can understand Spnw07's good intentions but there are still many differences between Buddhism and Christianity. Buddha's teachings is more thorough, it includes all sentiment beings.
Originally posted by popikachu:Agree on the last part... Regardless of what religion...
And not only religion, but everyone including those "free thinkers"...
Yes, definitely includes free-thinkers, ie.
"For anyone with a religion/faith or free-thinker (not inclined towards any particular religion/faith), he should ask a trusted friend of a different religion/faith/belief system, what he thinks of him truthfully. If someone cannot find such a trusted friend in multi-cultural, multi-racial, multi-faith peaceful Singapore, then obviously, some self-reflection is seriously needed to understand why that is so."
It's easy to view ourselves as holy and superior, if our personal social circle shares our same faith/belief. But ask a trusted friend of a different belief system what he thinks of us truthfully, and we'll get a more accurate picture, not one through rose-tinted glasses. There are people (of various religions/faith/beliefs) who seem to have this invisible protective field around themselves whenever they talk down another religion/faith/belief. If one does not dare and is not ready to see the true image of oneself, how can one be ready to comment on image of others?
Rainbow Jigsaw of Life
Originally posted by Weychin:Buddhism was born in a India, where he refuted the basis of an eternal soul independent of a body, and also an eternal creator.In this way, the teaching are different from Hinduism. He also teaches what that be attainable by man, through his own efforts, each for himself. In short, one is accountable for one's future, and not to be dependent of an external god. Buddhism believes in reincarnation but not an eternal soul.
Christianity is god based as are many of the other monothestic religions, where salvation is only possible through christ.Obedience is called for, that believers are part his flock, The lines are clearly drawn, salvation or eternal condemnation upon judgement day. With exception of the state called limbo. Once a person dies,he either goes to heaven or lies in dead slumber, until risen to face judgement.
So one is an inclusive religion, yet not polytheistic, the other is an monotheistic, exclusive.
Also in christianity, stewardship of animals are given for man's consumption, so eating animals is a right. So compassion and lovingkindness is not extended to animals or their suffering.
Buddhism,Ioving kindness extends to all sentient beings, including the devas and asuras, where else the gods of polytheistic beliefs are regarded as demons, fallen angels. Any mediumship or channelling is is understood to be demonic in nature.
Most importantly, Buddhism believes in inherent goodness of man, hence Buddha nature, through cultivation and practice of mindfulness, nirvana, or cessation can be achieved. Whereas all human are sinners due the original sin, however, many good deeds is done, cannot wash away the sins. Only through the blood of christ and accepting him, one can be redeemed or "reborned".
Loving kindness is unconditional, bodhisattvas make great vows to help all sentients being,regardless of beliefs. However, the love in christianity, is ultimately reserved for those who accept christ, the rest is condemned in hell. You will be able to read of god leashing in anger and obliterating objects of his anger in the bible.
In many aspects ,christianity is dualistic in nature, where else not budhism is not. Others may be able to put in context better then me.
Thanks for the nice summary on the differences between Christianity and Buddhism.
Originally posted by Dawnfirstlight:Well said. I can understand Spnw07's good intentions but there are still many differences between Buddhism and Christianity. Buddha's teachings is more thorough, it includes all sentiment beings.
In acknowledging the differences, we understand the differences and how it arises.
Despite the differences, we can maintain a healthy respect and accepting each to his own beliefs and coexist peacefully. Just do not the unhappiness be suppressed and fester, only to explode and spiral out of control at a latter date.
Originally posted by Dawnfirstlight:Well said. I can understand Spnw07's good intentions but there are still many differences between Buddhism and Christianity. Buddha's teachings is more thorough, it includes all sentiment beings.
My main purpose is to help Buddhists and Christians to get to know each other's teachings better, especially on the aspect of cultivating love and respect for each other. It is also meant for anyone, with or without any religious belief.
Pastor Rony Tan's case tells me that the work of clarifying doubts and misconceptions by others is a life-long one.
So I won't stop at only investigating or pointing out differences between religions. I will try to look at things from both the 'differences' and 'similarities/parallels' perspectives.
It could have the effect of helping certain groups of people who are deciding on which religion to fully immerse themselves into make a more informed and balanced choice.
understanding the difference is the first step, further understanding the conditions under which the perception of these differences arises will help us to see beyond and learn the similarities.
there are indeed many literatures that point to the similarities, and personally i found it benefitting to reflect on this.
just half cents worth :)
Please be kind enough to continue to share your findings!
Aum Mani Padme Hung!
if Buddha were to meet Jesus, Jesus will definitely follow the Buddha and be his disciple. I am sure Jesus will be one of his arhat great disciple.
the root of this is the understanding of the core teachings of both religions. much of this understanding for most people are shaped by an important condition: interpretations. of cos there are countless conditions that shaped both religions to what they are today, and interpretations is one big condition through the time until now.
of cos when i reflected upon my own interpretations of the teachings of both religions, i can recognize the many other conditions that came into play. just to share a few: my understanding had been shaped by my immediate family and friends and their opinions, the environment, the interpretations of the teachings from the relevant teachers etc.
what im pointing to is that i start to question ' is what is being explained (by someone) the real meaning?'
to quote from above,
JESUS
Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
JOHN 1.17
the first interpretation that we have of this statement will be different based on the different conditions of our lives. and since everyone's interpretation is different it is then, upon reflection, that it is very possible the real meaning is lost.
and also the way the teachings had been presented in its language also makes it difficult for us to realize that much of them are in fact similar.
hopefully i make sense here :)
add another half cents worth :)
Originally posted by Spnw07:My main purpose is to help Buddhists and Christians to get to know each other's teachings better, especially on the aspect of cultivating love and respect for each other. It is also meant for anyone, with or without any religious belief.
Pastor Rony Tan's case tells me that the work of clarifying doubts and misconceptions by others is a life-long one.
So I won't stop at only investigating or pointing out differences between religions. I will try to look at things from both the 'differences' and 'similarities/parallels' perspectives.
It could have the effect of helping certain groups of people who are deciding on which religion to fully immerse themselves into make a more informed and balanced choice.
From my experience, it will be easier to convert free thinkers to Buddhists if you explain to them the differences between other religion and Buddhism. I have successfully got some of my friends (free thinker) interested in Buddhism by telling them the differences between Christianity and Buddhism.
Highlighting the similarities perspectives is more for religious harmony.
finally, i was waiting for someone to say this :)
God bless _/\_
Originally posted by Weychin:Buddhism was born in a India, where he refuted the basis of an eternal soul independent of a body, and also an eternal creator.In this way, the teaching are different from Hinduism. He also teaches what that be attainable by man, through his own efforts, each for himself. In short, one is accountable for one's future, and not to be dependent of an external god. Buddhism believes in reincarnation but not an eternal soul.
Christianity is god based as are many of the other monothestic religions, where salvation is only possible through christ.Obedience is called for, that believers are part his flock, The lines are clearly drawn, salvation or eternal condemnation upon judgement day. With exception of the state called limbo. Once a person dies,he either goes to heaven or lies in dead slumber, until risen to face judgement.
So one is an inclusive religion, yet not polytheistic, the other is an monotheistic, exclusive.
Also in christianity, stewardship of animals are given for man's consumption, so eating animals is a right. So compassion and lovingkindness is not extended to animals or their suffering.
Buddhism,Ioving kindness extends to all sentient beings, including the devas and asuras, where else the gods of polytheistic beliefs are regarded as demons, fallen angels. Any mediumship or channelling is is understood to be demonic in nature.
Most importantly, Buddhism believes in inherent goodness of man, hence Buddha nature, through cultivation and practice of mindfulness, nirvana, or cessation can be achieved. Whereas all human are sinners due the original sin, however, many good deeds is done, cannot wash away the sins. Only through the blood of christ and accepting him, one can be redeemed or "reborned".
Loving kindness is unconditional, bodhisattvas make great vows to help all sentients being,regardless of beliefs. However, the love in christianity, is ultimately reserved for those who accept christ, the rest is condemned in hell. You will be able to read of god leashing in anger and obliterating objects of his anger in the bible.
In many aspects ,christianity is dualistic in nature, where else not budhism is not. Others may be able to put in context better then me.
woah it is a good read for me... interesting....
I do not know much about Christianity so I hope what u write is neutral.
Afterall, we still have the freedom to choose which religion suit us.
In Genesis, the first book of the Jewish and Christian Bibles, God creates Adam and Eve, the first man and woman, in his own image. God places them in the Garden of Eden and forbids them to eat fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil (often symbolized in European art and literature as an apple tree). The serpent persuades Eve to eat fruit from the forbidden tree. Eve shares the fruit with Adam and they immediately become ashamed of their nakedness.
This verse sounds very Buddhist. Why is knowledge of good and bad forbidden? Isn't it a good thing? The story appears metaphorical not literal.
The original mind preconceptual is non discriminative and doesn't have the concepts of good and bad, me and others. This is opposite to ignorance or original stupidity in paticcasamupada that Dependent on Ignorance arise Activities (Moral and Immoral).
Subsequent teachings differ in that salvation depends on an outside agent and the belief in eternity in heaven and hell. They became confused due to the political interference from the Roman rulers.
Originally posted by Louis dave36:if Buddha were to meet Jesus, Jesus will definitely follow the Buddha and be his disciple. I am sure Jesus will be one of his arhat great disciple.
.... Just try and outguess God...
Originally posted by Dawnfirstlight:From my experience, it will be easier to convert free thinkers to Buddhists if you explain to them the differences between other religion and Buddhism. I have successfully got some of my friends (free thinker) interested in Buddhism by telling them the differences between Christianity and Buddhism.
Highlighting the similarities perspectives is more for religious harmony.
The only difference is the target of reverence. The only similarity is blindness of faith.
Originally posted by Herzog_Zwei:
The only difference is the target of reverence. The only similarity is blindness of faith.
likewise, having 'no target' as reverence and being blinded by 'no faith'
arent humans all the same one way or another?
:)
Originally posted by Herzog_Zwei:
The only difference is the target of reverence. The only similarity is blindness of faith.
Nope... Buddhism need us to think carefully about the teachings. Not blind faith..
got to go zzz ..
Night
I had read about the "The Lost Years of Jesus" somewhere. It said during these lost years when there was no biblical record of Jesus whereabouts. It said there was a Russian journalist Nicolas Notovitch found an ancient Buddhist scripts in one of an ancient temple in Tibet which recorded the arrival of someone who fits the description of Jesus from Israel.
He said Jesus been to Tibet to learn Buddhist Teachings which explained why there are many similarities between teachings of Buddha and Jesus.
THE LOST YEARS OF JESUS
http://tibettalk.wordpress.com/2007/09/01/the-lost-years-of-jesus-in-tibet/
http://www.reversespins.com/teenageJesus.html
In 1938, Dr. Elisabeth Caspari again witnessed the evidence of Jesus' travel in Tibet.
Guys, I know many Christians will not agree to this. Anyway, it is up to individual to believe or not.