Is it possible for a Christian to also follow the tenets of Buddhism as a philosophy by which to live our lives?

2018-03-21T12:48:12-04:00

This is a question I have struggled with. I have been in awe of the Eastern mind and Eastern philosophy and way of life even before spending 26 months in South Korea. I attended Catholic schools all the way through high school. I had a Bible teacher, a Christian Brother, who was way ahead of his time in terms of Catholicism. This man certainly thought and taught outside the box and encouraged investigation of alternative ways of thinking. Remaining mindful of our Catholic and Christian teachings and belief system was paramount for those of us so inclined to look at alternate philosophies. Granted, we were expected to retain our faith in Jesus Christ, The Church and all the rest that goes into being a Christian. I have, for many years (50?) be intrigued by Buddhism. Here is a website I have been looking at the answers a portion of my question. (https://americananglican.org/can-one-be-christian-and-buddhist-at-the-same-time/) But, as a Christian, I will always retain my belief in the Cross and the salvation given to us by Jesus Christ. Having said that, my main concern is weaving the simple, slow, methodicaly Eastern philosophy into my life as a Westerner (and an old one at that.) Please share your thought, negative and positive.

Can one be Christian and Buddhist at the same time? | American Anglican Council

» Can one be Christian and Buddhist at the same time? | Developing. Renewing. Equipping.

Response by PVT Mark Brown made Mar 21 at 2018 12:49 PM

2018-03-21T12:49:27-04:00

https://americananglican.org/can-one-be-christian-and-buddhist-at-the-same-time/

Can one be Christian and Buddhist at the same time? | American Anglican Council

» Can one be Christian and Buddhist at the same time? | Developing. Renewing. Equipping.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Mar 21 at 2018 12:50 PM

2018-03-21T12:50:17-04:00

Don't see why not, I follow some of Confusious ideas.

Response by PO3 Phyllis Maynard made Mar 21 at 2018 1:17 PM

2018-03-21T13:17:20-04:00

PVT Mark Brown this is an awesome aspiring article and question. My perspective, without all of the theory bashing and accusations is this. Yes, I am a full fledged Christian believing the Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. I can't say I practice Buddism in it's true theology, but Zen meditation, accupressure on my body in concert with western medical treatment ( but far less medical treatment), diet, philosophical living, respecting the belief tenants and using common sense to understand that Buddism arises out of the Oriental culture as Christianity arises out of Western culture and in living life, being faithful in Godly living, believing the tenants of the 10 commandments, and fellowshipping with human beings of another culture, I do not feel I am living a hypocritical it sacreligious life I am not equating another deity symbol equal with the God of the Bible or Jesus upon His ascention becoming the Christ, His Son. I like sczechun chicken and Colonel Sanders KFC original recipe chicken. A chicken is a chicken, the chicken doesn't change. I like cow meat wheather it comes from India or the USA. A cow is sacred in India and the people don't eat them. Beef cows in Texas are raised to be 72oz. eating steaks. I am developing an affinity not to eat meat with faces. I don't worship the cow. I feel eating a cow is like eating my full fledged family member fur baby Pibull Mix. By the way dog is a delicacy in certain countries. I am a Christian who embraces the living and daily application of life that Buddists embrace. God Bless your journey PVT Mark Brown.

Response by SPC Mike Lake made Mar 21 at 2018 1:44 PM

2018-03-21T13:44:55-04:00

If it's good wisdom and Council I don't see why not

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2018 6:00 PM

2018-03-21T18:00:30-04:00

Very positive in the religion culture, I like what you're saying and my very thoughts too, can't go wrong with the Good side of the world.
"And with your Spirit", Amen

Response by SGT Matthew Sesar made Mar 21 at 2018 7:14 PM

2018-03-21T19:14:40-04:00

I think it’s a great thing.

Response by SSG Edward Tovatt made Jan 18 at 2019 9:06 PM

2019-01-18T21:06:50-05:00

Exodus 23:13.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2019 4:50 PM

2019-04-13T16:50:23-04:00

Mentioning Buddhism in many Christian circles is on the fringe but it has less to do about doctrine than training your mind to be clear and interrupt habitual thought patterns that are not helpful. Meditation was first recommended to me by a professor at Catholic University. It helped me with PTSD. Now I teach it - meditation occasionally. Jesus’s teachings are in many ways similar to Buddha’s.