Christianity / Buddhism (personal crisis)

[Publisher]

I am not a Buddhist, but I am acquainted with a couple Friends who practice Buddhism.

For those Friends who practice “Silent Worship”, the centering of oneself in the Divine Presence is the root of our worship experience. We are called to enter into “Meeting” throughout the day…meeting the Presence, the Light in prayerful expectation.

To Quiet oneself before the Light and seek the will of God in the daily of our lives is an ongoing process. Buddhism, as I understand it, presents the “technique” of engaging this centering of our lives.

Thomas Kelly’s “Testament of Devotion” is one of my favorite books on Christian Mysticism…easy to read with practical instruction of “continuously returning the the Center of our Being” throughout the day.

 

[Ahimsa]

I am still a bit thrown off… orthodox eschatology stresses the importantce of the body and especially a soul that enters into the next phase of existence (Heaven or Hell)
… and this is not some all encompassing It that does that, it is something that is unique to each and everyone of us. Something that belongs to us alone. the whole basis of the resurrection is based upon this.

Well, there’s the It, and then there’s your own individual body-and-mind.

 

[Ahimsa]

so you don’t believe in a “soul” which ALL of christianity teaches yet you are trying to make them compatible and in aggrement ? I am maybe misunderstandign you!

I personally believe in a “soul”, that is, in a “body-and-mind” complex that changes and evolves over time, whether in this life or in some other life.

 

[Future_Prodigy]

Well, there’s the It, and then there’s your own individual body-and-mind.

Im talkin form a christian perspective here… so this it you posit as being our own and individual right? Cause these descriptions are blowing me away. I have never in my life while studying christian eschatology come across these sorts of notons… indidvidual importance and responsibility are huge notions for end times… especially in regard to ones own body and soul being resurrected… whicih is not what im feeling reading tese posts.

 

[Kitty_Chan]

Future Prodigy

Hi Im not a Catholic but from a Protestant view. I was having some of what you speak of trying to get something out of prayer. You mentioned set prayers and not feeling Gods pressence?

From what I understand of meditation is you empty, with prayer you fill. But if you wouldnt mind what is, or how have you been praying? What are you thinking of, or what are you hoping to happen? I have a couple ideas in my head but am not sure what to share with you, if youd like.

 

[Montalban]

I personally believe in a “soul”, that is, in a “body-and-mind” complex that changes and evolves over time, whether in this life or in some other life.

I used to believe in reincarnation, but that was in a previous life.

 

[Ahimsa]

Im talkin form a christian perspective here so this it you posit as being our own and individual right? Cause these descriptions are blowing me away. I have never in my life while studying christian eschatology come across these sorts of notons… indidvidual importance and responsibility are huge notions for end times… especially in regard to ones own body and soul being resurrected… whicih is not what im feeling reading tese posts.

There is something that is your own, something that gives you individual importance and responsibility. From my perspective, though, this “something” cannot be seen, touched, or pointed to.

I should say, however, that my perspective, though ‘Christian’, is not held by most Christians alive today.

 

[Ahimsa]

I used to believe in reincarnation, but that was in a previous life.

Awww…come on, Montalban. “Reincarnation” simply means “becoming incarnated again”. What is the “resurrection of the body” if not “you becoming incarnated again, for the last time”?

 

[mgupta]

I am a Catholic Christian and I have explored Hinduism and Buddhism a bit. I havent read anything that I didnt like about both religions. They are both very sophisticated religions. I still have many Catholic values and beliefs (which are accepted by the main world religions), but I have learned not to limit God to religion. However you feel closest to God is what you should practice. It is also possible to be a Christian and to believe in Jesus while practicing Buddhism or Hinduism in my opinion.

To my understanding Buddhists believe that they do have souls. Correct me if I’m wrong. Christianity and Buddhism may not be as different as you may think. If you believe that religions are different paths to the same God, then it doesnt matter what you practice as long as you are connected with God.

 

[Ahimsa]

To my understanding Buddhists believe that they do have souls. Correct me if I’m wrong.

This can become a rather touchy issue. There are several Buddhist responses to the question of “soul”. Some say, “yes”, some say “no”, because the precise definition of what a “soul” is, is rather hard to define. And maybe that’s a good thing.