* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
Download 03--Hinduism and Buddhism - Park Cities Baptist Church
Dhyāna in Buddhism wikipedia , lookup
Noble Eightfold Path wikipedia , lookup
Greco-Buddhism wikipedia , lookup
History of Buddhism wikipedia , lookup
Persecution of Buddhists wikipedia , lookup
Buddhist ethics wikipedia , lookup
Buddhism and psychology wikipedia , lookup
Buddhist philosophy wikipedia , lookup
Buddhism and sexual orientation wikipedia , lookup
Silk Road transmission of Buddhism wikipedia , lookup
Triratna Buddhist Community wikipedia , lookup
Dalit Buddhist movement wikipedia , lookup
History of Buddhism in India wikipedia , lookup
Women in Buddhism wikipedia , lookup
Buddhism in Myanmar wikipedia , lookup
Decline of Buddhism in the Indian subcontinent wikipedia , lookup
Enlightenment in Buddhism wikipedia , lookup
Youth Website World Religions and Christian Denominations Park Cities Baptist Church Jim Denison Spring 2006 Script 3 Hinduism and Buddhism 13% of the world follows the Hindu faith, more than 800 million people. 6% of the world, more than 360 million people, are Buddhists. Hinduism has existed as long as history has been recorded. Buddhism was founded in 523 B.C. The two religions have much in common, and present a similar challenge to the Christian faith. Hindu beliefs Hindus call reality "Brahman." Brahman is the "supreme soul of the universe," without beginning or ending, unchanging and eternal, beyond all description. Brahman is not a "god" to be worshiped, but the name for all that is. Many "gods" are worshiped in Hinduism as a means to oneness with Brahman. Man is called "Atman," and is a part of Brahman as the air inside a jug is one with the air outside the jug. The world is not divided into the material and spiritual, for all is one. We suffer when we do not understand our identity with reality. Salvation is called "moksha," and comes through the unity of mankind with reality. Hindus expect to experience many reincarnations as they proceed toward enlightenment. The law of "karma" states that we are punished or rewarded for our deeds in this life. The caste system recognizes this law at work. Those who are being punished for deeds in the previous life are now living in a lower caste. Those who are being rewarded for their previous life are now living in a higher caste. Hindus believe that they will eventually cease to exist individually and become one with Brahman. Buddhist beliefs Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama (563-483 B.C.). "Buddha" means "enlightened one." The Buddha applied Hinduism to the problem of evil and suffering, with the Four Noble Truths: suffering is inevitable; suffering comes from wrong desires; eliminating wrong desires will eliminate suffering; the way to eliminate wrong desires is to follow the Eightfold Noble Path: right understanding, thoughts, speech, action, livelihood, effort, meditation, and concentration. By practicing these disciplines, the Buddhist hopes to experience enlightenment or "nirvana" and become one with reality. Relating to Hindus and Buddhists How can Christians respond to Hinduism and Buddhism? First, show that our faiths do not teach the same truth. For instance, if Hindus and Buddhists are right, we will not exist as individuals in eternity but will be absorbed into reality. There is no concept of sin or salvation in either religion, no personal Lord of the universe who will forgive our failures. These are religions of works, while Christianity is a relationship founded on grace. Second, show the relevance of Jesus' life-changing love in your life. Build a relationship with your Hindu or Buddhist friend. Show that person the compassion of Christ. Prove that your faith is relevant to your life today. Third, explain that Jesus provides what your friend is seeking: peace now and in eternity. His death paid for our sins and gives us the way to relationship with our Creator today. We don't have to wait through multiple reincarnations or pay for our previous sins. In fact we cannot: "man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment" (Hebrews 9:27). Jesus is alive today, and is ready to give the peace and joy every Hindu and Buddhist seeks. Invite your friend to trust in him today.