Was the Buddha a demon?
While few mainline Christians would put the matter in such confrontational terms, any religion claiming exclusive access to truth has real difficulties reconciling other great faiths into its cosmic scheme. Most Christian churches hold that Jesus alone is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and many also feel an obligation to carry that message to the world's unbelievers. But this creates a fundamental conflict with the ...
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It brings to to the reader's attention mch about the history ofthe Christian faith that we might not have known. I think it reminds the Pharisees among us that they go stray from the message of their own prophet.
This is a well written story from a unique perspective on Christianity. It is interesting that the decline of eastern Christianity occurred in the 14th century. What this article fails to do is account for the Dark Ages in Europe and the effect on western Christianity.
The only tie in this story to the use of the term 'mainline churches" is the position of the Catholic Church. In my view that is a questionable definition.
Excellent and thoughtful exposition of the broader history, range, and views of Christianity and its interaction with Buddhism and other faith teachings. Vital concepts for developing a new way to live together on a small and overcrowded planet.
The current connection between religious belief and political action is a cause for major concern on so many fronts. I believe it is essential to focus on the things that unite us, instead of the things that pull us apart. Looking at the common points between Christianity and Buddhism is an outstanding place to begin. I heartily recommend two books for further reading: Living Buddha, Living Christ' by Thich Nhat Hanh, 1997; The Good Heart: A Buddhist Perspective on the ... More »
The article is good in that it questions the exceptionalism of religions and the intolerance between religions that has helped spawn so many mass murders and wars. It is unfortunate in that it seems to categorize religion as a search for wisdom and truth when so much of religion is based upon fear and irrational searches for security as well as subservience to the state.
While I'll keep my own views on my religious believes for now, I can appreciate and tolerate other;s believe"s. If all the religious prosecution in the world is if my god's better than your God, this world will continue killing each other to there's no God's left.
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